Charles Joseph (Chuck) Vraney, age 66, of Manitowoc died Saturday, June 7, 2025 at his residence.
Chuck was born January 4, 1959 in Manitowoc, son of the late Milton and Helen (Schuh) Vraney. He graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1977. Chuck married Kathryn (Kathi) Fessler on May 26, 1984 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clarks Mills. He was employed with Manitowoc Cranes until going to Louisiana in 1979. Chuck then spent 44 years at sea working as a Merchant Marine for various companies, retiring in December 2023. Chuck enjoyed wrestling; he wrestled in high school and kept in touch with many of the friends he met and always looked forward to the state wrestling meet weekend. In the last few years he became interested in genealogy, and spent a lot of time researching. He was also proud that he finally got his dream car, a 2007 Corvette. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed driving and cleaning it. He also enjoyed attending his Saturday morning breakfast with friends. One of his favorite pastimes was going to rummage and estate sales. Chuck was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Newton. Above all, Chuck’s family was the most important thing in his life. He loved spending time with them as well as spending time working at home and perfecting his property.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Kathi Vraney; his four children: Chelsea & Hooman Sereshki (Sir-esh-Key), Haley & Eric Holsen, Eric Vraney (Katie Renard and her son Coal (Cole)), and Alex Vraney (Hailey Jones); grandchildren: Drew, Kai (like sky), and one on the way; his siblings: Jane & Dennis Kueter (Key-ter), Dick & Ginny Vraney, Judy Borgwardt, Dorothy & Gene Kramer, and Joanne & Kurt Krish; godchildren: Heidi Welch, Justin Kautzer, Kyle Sieracki, and Jeremy Fessler; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Tony & Joan Fessler; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Sandy & Jeff Kiel, Barb Sieracki, and Dan & Amy Fessler; as well as his friend Rick Sieracki and the rest of his Saturday morning breakfast club friends: Jon Luedtke, Tom Bolle, Rob Sieracki, and Joe Schuh. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents: Milt and Helen Vraney; two brothers-in-law: Dan Konkle and Bill Borgwardt; as well as his pets: Sadie, Diddl, Midnight, Nermal, Sox, and Boots.
Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Beaudry and Deacon Mike Dolezal. Chuck will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Mausoleum, Manitowoc at a later date. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community Facebook Page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/p/St-Thomas-the-Apostle-Catholic-Community-100066790295408/.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Newton.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Chuck’s name.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Vraney family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
