Obituary of Charles Edward Langen

Charles Edward Langen, known as Chuck or Charlie, died peacefully at home on February 18, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83. Chuck and his fraternal twin brother, John Henry Jr., nicknamed Harry, were born to John Henry Sr. and Catherine Francis (Mahoney) Langen at the Lying-In Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts) on April 28, 1930. His father was a career member of the U.S. Navy so, in Chuck’s earlier years, the Langen family lived in several areas of the United States. His first two years were spent in the Dorchester section of Boston, followed by two years in Charleston, South Carolina, and ten years in San Diego, California. It was in San Diego that his sister, Frances, was born. In 1945, the Langen family moved to Bremerton, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest became their permanent home. Chuck and Harry graduated from BremertonHigh School in 1948 and then spent one year in the U.S. Army. Chuck was attending Olympic Junior College when the Korean War began. In December 1950, he put his education on hold and volunteered for military service. He was immediately stationed with the Medical Detachment, 72nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He earned the Combat Medical Badge and four campaign stars during 1951. When he returned to the United States, he was briefly stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then transferred to Germany to be stationed at Bingen am Rhein and Crailsheim with medical units. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to Bremerton to continue his education. It was while stationed at FortLewis he met Ruth Burns. Born and raised in Kansas, she was visiting her uncle’s family in Bremerton. John Triggs, a mutual friend, played matchmaker. In time, Ruth and Chuck fell in love and were married at Our Lady Star of the SeaChurch in Bremerton on October 2, 1954. (At the wedding, Ruth returned the favor and introduced John to her sister, Mary. The Triggs recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.) While completing his last three years of higher education at SeattleUniversity, Chuck worked one year at the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton and then joined The Boeing Company in Seattle. For 17 years, he worked in data processing at Boeing’s Seattle, Renton, and Everett facilities. In 1971, Chuck began work as a legislative staffer for the Washington State Senate. In Olympia, he was a fiscal analyst for the Senate Ways and Means Committee for 17 years and a research analyst for the Office of the State Actuary for eight years. He retired July 1, 1996, after 25 years of service. Outside of his work, Chuck was deeply involved with the Democratic Party, particularly from 1961 through the late 1980s. Throughout this time, he served as Precinct Committee Person and Chair of Seattle’s then 35th Legislative District, Vice Chair of the King County Democratic Party, Precinct Committee Person (Olympia), and Chair of the Thurston County Democratic Party. He was actively involved in several state and federal election campaigns. Parish and diocesan activities were also important to Chuck. Notably, he was the first Vice Chair of the Catholic Interracial Council in the 1960s. Over the years, he was an active member of Saint Bernadette and Saint Michael parishes in Seattle and Olympia, respectively. In his retirement, he enjoyed the privilege of being a lector at Saint Michael Church. Ruth and Chuck’s crowning achievements, however, have been their children: Rita (Stewart); Susan; Rachael (Lundmark); Charles Jr.; Mary Margaret; Bernadette; and Thomas. They are very proud of their children’s achievements and the love each of them has for the family. Ruth and Chuck also take great pleasure in their extended family: Rita’s husband, Wayne Stewart, and their children, Sean and Shannon; Rachael’s husband, Stuart Lundmark, and their children, Rhiannon and Brett; and Bernadette’s husband, Michael Peters. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Langen, and his sister, Frances Langen. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother, Harry, and his wife, Gloria; their children (nieces, Judy, Cathy, Teresa, and Margaret, and nephews, Michael and James); as well as dozens of other nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you say a prayer for the repose of Chuck’s soul and please consider contributing to Catholic Relief Services or the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please leave memories of Chuck or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.