Charles J. Mears, 54, of La Crosse died suddenly Saturday, March 6, 2006, while enjoying a morning run. His journey has reunited him with his grandparents; parents, Beverly Brahmer Mears and Walter Mears; aunt, Belva Yeske; and brother, Michael J. Mears.

Chuck will be deeply missed by his wife, Teresa, who adored each and every moment together with him and their family; their daughter, Kristin and husband, Jacob Schams of La Crosse; son, John; and daughter, Katie of La Crosse; and brother, Thomas of Medford, Ore.; sister, Mary and her husband, John Helm of Incline Village, Nev.; and in-laws, Skip and Janice Klein of Onalaska, Wis., and James and LaVern Handschuh of Sarasota, Fla.

Chuck cherished education and continued learning. He attended Aquinas High School, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before completing dental school and an orthodontic residency at Marquette University. He was certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and recognized as a fellow in the American College of Dentists. Chuck also was a member of the La Crosse District Dental Society, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontists. He passionately practiced at Gundersen Lutheran, La Crosse, Onalaska and Tomah clinics for 26 years.

Chuck lived and worked each day with an inner drive knowing that every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it, an autograph of excellence. This was his approach to each and every patient always. He was a dedicated practitioner knowing fully the importance of quality care.

La Crosse was his home, and he never took for granted the beauty of the river, coulees and bluffs. Chuck spent his free time with his family enjoying boating, biking, skiing, walking, running and golfing. He volunteered as a ski patrol at Mount La Crosse for the past 17 years. The combination of the service and comradeship with the patrol and staff of Mount La Crosse was cherished.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m., at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Msgr. Robert Hundt will officiate. Friends may call on the family Thursday at the church from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials directed to Aquinas High School Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, Gundersen Lutheran Foundation or Marquette University Dental School.