Charles Matthew Bork

Charles Mathew Bork Wenatchee, WA Charles Bork, 87, died peacefully at home on June 4, 2011, in Wenatchee, WA. He was born June 14, 1923, to Albert and Alma (Huotari) Bork in Bryant, SD. The family moved to Sioux Falls, SD and Charles attended schools there until his entry into the U.S. Army in 1943. He served as a Squad Leader in Co. F. 114th Infantry, 44th Division in Europe during World War II. He received numerous awards including the Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and two Battle Stars. After being wounded and hospitalized for two months in France, he returned to action and two days later, was taken prisoner at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, while crossing the Rhine River and held at the Zeigenhien prison camp 100 miles from Berlin for three months, until liberated by the allied forces. Charles married Wanda G. Radspinner on July 12, 1946, in Sioux Falls, SD. He made the U.S. Army his career and served in the post war occupation of Japan, the Korean Conflict and during the Viet Nam War. He was stationed in Japan, Colorado, Korea, Wenatchee (serving as the Reserve Unit Advisor for seven years), and Hawaii. He retired in Wenatchee and began his second career working for the Washington State Juvenile System as a group home counselor until his final retirement in 1979. He was an avid Steelhead fisherman and a member of the Rock Island Golf Course. He was a Little League and Babe Ruth coach for many years in Wenatchee during the 1950's and 60's. He was also one heck of a ball player, a great bowler and shot skeet for the U.S. Army Skeet team. Charles is survived by his wife; and children, Charles M. Bork, Jr. (Tina) of Medford, OR. and Dawn R. Caston (Mike) of Grass Valley, CA; grandson, David Gault; and great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Gault and Hanna Bork. He is also survived by brother, Jack Bork of Sioux Falls, SD; and sister, Marge Harris of Newtown, PA. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Bork, in 2009; and grandson, Jeffrey Bork, in 2010. The family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, if desired, to Central Washington Hospital Home Care & Hospice, 1020 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or your favorite charity.

Charles Matthew Bork

June 14, 1923 - June 4, 2011