Charles, you were one of a kind and I will never forget you. Linda and Charlie Kurtz

I first met Charlie Werneke in 1967 in Monterey California when we were USN Seaman classmates at the Defense Language Institute there.
I would have described Charlie as a free-minded individual (near “hippie”) who knew several languages, had lived in Europe for a while, and was relatively care-free – nothing like my rather sober personality at that time.
While in Monterey, I remember several meals we shared on the Monterey Pier, eating local seafood, drinking local wine, smoking cigars and just talking for hours at a time. After Monterey, we were transferred to Goodfellow AFB In San Angelo Texas, for further training; Charlie and I were both promoted to 3rd Class Petty Officers the same day; our Chief invited us to the Enlisted Officer’s  Club that night (verboten territory the day before) to for a celebration - followed by one of the most memorable hangovers I ever had. After San Angelo, our ways parted – I went to Fort Meade Maryland and Charlie went to Adak, Alaska. I believe Charlie rode with me and my grandparents who provided transportation to Beaumont for a short visit in Beaumont before we parted company. The next time I saw Charlie was in 1971 in Maryland the night before I was discharged from the Navy; Charlie has just completed Officer’s Training. Another memorable hangover.
In 1973 or 74, I had an opportunity to attend a business conference in San Francisco. Lori and I met Charlie and his new wife Yolanda there for another meal, this time at the Naval Officers Club on the Presidio. Then, Lori and I moved to Pasadena; we lost track of Charlie and Yolanda for a while. But, thanks to the Internet, we re-established communications.
Excepting an occasional phone call, once or twice a year, I can remember only three more times our paths crossed. Charlie and Yolanda spent a few days with us on a vacation  trip to the east; we met them on a second trip east in San Antonio and took a side trip with them to Fredericksburg before coming here and once when Charlie made a business trip to Houston. On that trip, he came to City Hall and met the HR staff. I remember the comment when he departed.- “Herman , where and how did you become a friend of a guy who wears a ring in his ear.”
Ours was a curious friendship. We each had different personalities. Our career paths were dissimilar. We seldom talked to each other. We spent time together even less. And we were almost polar opposites politically. Even so, we both cherished our friendship.
When we got the call, we were halfway expecting because Lori and Yolanda had been testing. . Both Charlie and Yolanda had become victims of COVID-19.
We will remember you both. Rest in Peace.

Herman & Loretta Weber, Pasadena TX

2023 Happiest Valentine's
Day to my all time favorite
couple.
COVID pandemic in Arizona February 2021 was hard for all your loved ones and friends.
Still missing you guys daily, but love makes it better everyday. Your eldest niece in Tempe Arizona.