Charles Isidor Ochsner passed away January 20th, 2025 having lived 92 feisty years.
He was born to Swiss-immigrant Isidor and Pe Ell native Christina (Muller) Ochsner in Puyallup, Washington in 1932. He entered the family business as a dairy farmer when he was just a tot in the Sumner Valley then owned his own successful dairy farm on the east side of Lake Tapps for 30+ years. He lived and breathed the business with many strong connections throughout the region, striking up conversations with all he met.
Charlie graduated from Sumner High School in 1950 where he was a four-sport star athlete. He even attended Washington State University on a football scholarship for a bit. He returned home and met the love of his life Loretta Bullinger at a dance in Tacoma, marrying her in 1953. Together, they were blessed with five daughters and were married for 59 years until Loretta’s sudden passing in 2012.
Immensely proud of his Swiss heritage, Charlie’s Swiss traits of being incredibly loyal plus a bit stubborn were always present. He made friends for life with most everyone he met, sharing many memories and stories over the years. So dedicated to the Swiss community, he spent decades volunteering his time at the Swiss Sportsmen’s Club in Bonney Lake having most recently served as Board Emeritus and was an active member of the Swiss Society of Tacoma. Even at 88 years old, he could still shoot trap at the Club with amazing accuracy and beat “those young guys”. He was always the competitor!
Papa Charlie is survived by all of his daughters – Karen (Cliff ), Lynne (Rick), Wendy (Grant), Sherry, and Judy (Paul). Some of his biggest prides were his 10 grandchildren in hearing all of their accomplishments, especially in sports, telling them to “Give em gas!”. His next biggest joys were his seven great-grandchildren, always making sure he had candy or cookies on hand for their visits. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul (Arnie) Ochsner, and his beloved Loretta.
To honor Charlie’s dedication to his Swiss heritage, the family requests donations be made in his name to either the Swiss Society of Tacoma or the Swiss Sportsmen’s Club of Tacoma. Per Charlie’s request, no formal funeral services will be held. The family is considering hosting a celebration of life in the spring – details will be shared with family and friends should that occur.