Charles William Metzger, 71, of Waukesha, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, likely heading off to find the best fishing hole and the biggest buck heaven has to offer. A testament to God's grace, Charlie lived a life of unwavering faith, always finding strength in Jesus. He was a shining example of God's love, a true disciple, as he used his time and talents to help others.

Charlie was born on March 1, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Calvary Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 1972 before attending X-ray school at County Hospital in Milwaukee. It was there he met the love of his life, Linda Tracy. They were married on August 21, 1976, and were blessed with three children and six grandchildren during nearly 50 years of marriage. Together, they started their mobile X-ray business, Diagnostic Mobile Imaging, in 1994 and retired in 2016.

Some of Charlie’s greatest joys came from time spent outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and especially looked forward to his yearly fishing trips to Lake Erie with close friends. He also loved spending time “up north” on the family’s 80 acres of hunting land, where, along with the help of family, he built a cabin that became a hub for adventure, laughter, and a few 'creative' carpentry experiments. Whether it was working with his hands on projects like building the hunting cabin or helping his family, friends, and neighbors, he had a knack for making things happen. If something was broken, he could fix it, or at least take it apart to figure out how it should work. He believed that duct tape, determination, and common sense could solve just about anything.

Charlie was also quite the storyteller. A simple question could turn into a full tale complete with background details, side stories, and a few well timed pauses for dramatic effect, exaggerated just enough to be told his way.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughters: Sarah Dalton, Katy (Jeff) Klessig, and Molly Johnson; grandchildren: Ruby, Ezra, and Norah Dalton; Logan Klessig; and Charlie and Raegan Johnson; siblings: Caroline Schultz, Paul (Cindy) Metzger, and Hank (Ann) Metzger; along with nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Metzger and Viola and Arno Witt.

We will always cherish his wit, work ethic, stories, advice, and his ability to turn an ordinary day into an adventure. In the words of Charlie, "Annnyhow…" life is always better with a little humor, a little love, and a really good fish fry, and there was no debate that he made the best around.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 20851 W Main St, Lannon, WI 53046 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church in Lannon, WI would be appreciated.