Charles E. Wallen

Charles E. Wallen, age 88 of Eau Claire formerly of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire.

Chuck was born February 6, 1937 in Dunn County, Wisconsin to Carl and Bernice (Tronrud) Wallen.  He attended Forest Grove elementary school which was located on the farm where he was raised.  He graduated from Prairie Farm High School, and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Omtvedt immediately following his college graduation, at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.  Two daughters were born to their marriage, Cheryl and Carla.  He was drafted into Army military service in 1959 and had his service extended due to the Berlin Crisis.  Upon graduation from college he began a 38 year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The cities of Viroqua, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Cochrane, Madison and Wisconsin Rapids were all family residences during his employment with the Department.  At the time of his retirement in 1994, he was serving as Wisconsin Farm Program Chief for the USDA, Farmers Home Administration (now Farm Services Agency), in addition to providing periodic training to FmHA employees in numerous other states.  He was an active member of First English Lutheran Church for over fifty years, serving on many committees such as president of the church council and head usher for over 20 years.  After his wife Carol’s retirement from teaching in 1996, they purchased their snowbird retirement condo in Naples, FL.  He was on the condo association board of directors, and also served as its president.  For over 20 years during winters in Florida, he became actively involved with Collier County Habitat for Humanity serving as crew leader, building homes in Immokolee, FL.  

In 1970 with 7 other families, a private campground was developed at Arkdale, WI, which served as the families’ recreational retreat for 33 years.  In addition, the family vacations included travel to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and 6 trips to Europe.  

Chuck spent many hours in his woodworking shop building furniture for their home, the homes of his daughters, plus special needs of his church.  

Chuck is survived by is wife of 67 years, Carol; his daughters: Cheri (Wallen) Bokern of Oaxaca, Mexico; Carla (Bauer) Wallen of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; his grandchildren: Carolyn Bauer of Eau Claire; Michael Bauer and wife Megan (Sullivan) Bauer of Chicago, Illinois; and his sister Barbara (Paul) Ramberg of Woodville, WI; brother-in-law Bruce (Lori) Omtvedt of Ellsworth, WI; sisters-in-law; Connie (Gary) Allram of Ridgeland, WI; Eunice (Terry) McIntyre of Eau Claire; Pam (Jim) Horne of Lombard, IL; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bernice Wallen; father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Grace Omtvedt; grandson Bill Burnham III; brother-in-law Merton Omtvedt; and sister-in-law Nancy Omtvedt. 

A memorial service will take place at 11 am on Saturday January 10, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating.  Visitation will take place that day at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Forest Hill Mausoleum in Wisconsin Rapids. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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