Chuck Karlan

Charles Conrad Karlan, born on April 12th, 1947 in Topeka, KS to the late Charles B. and Thora M. Karlan, passed away October 10th, 2014 in Denver, CO surrounded by his girls; wife, daughters, and granddaughter. Chuck graduated high school from Kemper Military Academy in Boomfield, MO in 1965. He then won an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis where he graduated in 1969. Following graduation from US Naval Academy, Chuck accepted a commission in the US Navy as an Ensign. He was assigned to flight training as a naval aviator. After winning his wings in 1971, Chuck was assigned to OV10's flying combat missions over Vietnam. In 1974, he was assigned as a flight instructor flying A4's from NAS Kingsville, TX, where he completed his service to his country.

 

The Naval Academy helped foster his passion for sailing, an activity that brought much happiness into his personal and family life. His love for flying was developed in those early years in the Navy. Chuck always enjoyed sharing those passions with others. Chuck was an exceptional sailor and pilot. He always had the biggest smiles on his face when he was around sailboats or airplanes.

 

Chuck returned to Topeka, KS where he followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps operating Karlan’s Furniture Store until it closed in 1989. Throughout his life, Chuck was a strong civic leader and promoter of downtown Topeka, KS with many accomplishments. Chuck played an active role in many organizations including being a member of Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, President of Downtown Topeka Inc, and Topeka Bible Church. To promote his hometown, Chuck purchased a hot air balloon and named it “Spirit of Topeka”. Chuck continued to pursue his love of flying by working as a charter and corporate pilot along with many other entrepreneurial ventures. Chuck was never afraid to follow a dream whether it was designing and building a boat in Thailand or being a founding partner of a file storage and document destruction business.

 

In 1983, Chuck married the love of his life Becky Ann Wiltfang and they had two daughters, Sarah Ann and Jennifer Marie.

 

A longtime resident of Topeka, KS, Chuck moved to Denver, CO shortly after being diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a lung disease that caused scaring of his lungs. In November 2008, Chuck received a lung transplant that put the wind back in his sails for another 6 years which allowed him to walk both daughters down the aisle and meet his first grandchild. As a continuation of his ever generous spirit, Chuck decided to donate his body for medical research after his passing for his final gift.

While in Denver, Chuck was involved in numerous organizations including Rocky Mountain Lung Transplant Support group, Donor Alliance, IPF support group, South Fellowship Church, and was instrumental in starting a mentor program at University of Colorado Hospital for lung transplant patients.

 

Chuck was an amazing and true friend to so many people. A man that kept promises, stayed in touch, not only actively listened but also reached out and cared with his entire heart. He overcame every obstacle he faced and fearlessly continued to press forward. Each time he accomplished one dream, he was ready to press forward and work toward the next. It is because of his strong work ethic, high expectations and stubborn personality that he experienced so much success.

 

Chuck is survived by his wife; Becky, two daughters; Sarah Hamann (Matt) and Jennifer Flores (Alex), brother; Keith Karlan, and sister; Andrea Hamlin. Chuck recently became a grandfather to Mabel Marie Hamann on October 2nd, 2014.

 

A memorial service will be held at South Fellowship Church in Littleton, CO on Sunday, October 19th at 3:00pm. The family requests that memorial gifts for Chuck be given in his name to “Alternatives Pregnancy Center” 1440 Blake St., Suite 200; Denver, CO 80202

Charles C. Karlan

- Born April 12th, 1947

- He was a Friend, Husband, Father,      Grandfather, and Hero.

- Sadly left us on October 10th, 2014.

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Live simply, Love generously,

Care deeply, Speak kindly...

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass..

It's about learning to dance in the rain.