Memorial Service
Schertz Funeral Home Chapel-
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2217 FM 3009
Schertz, Texas 78154
1939
Charles
2018
Charles Itschner
September 30, 1939 — August 18, 2018
Major (Ret.) Charles Leslie Itschner, age 78, entered into our Lord's grace August 18, 2018, with wife Carrie, and son Lester by his side. He was finally back on his land, Timber Hall Farm in Santa Clara, Texas.
Charles was born to Lester Charles and Lottie Christine Stacy Itschner, September 30, 1939 in Kirksville, Missouri. The family resided in Macon, Missouri. Charles attended Macon schools and graduated from Macon High School in 1957. He enlisted in the US Army in 1957 at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Charles first tour of service, as an enlisted soldier, found him maintaining and crewing helicopters in Germany. He served two tours at German posts, then two tours at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and one tour at Fort Rucker, Alabama. His sons, Roy and Lester, were born in Germany in 1958 and 1960, respectively.
As an SFC, Charles discharged honorably from the enlisted ranks, and later rejoined to attend Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation, and promotion to 1st Lieutenant, Charles served his first tour, 1966-1967, in the Republic of Vietnam and was wounded twice (2 gunshot wounds). After a short break, he returned for a second tour in Vietnam, 1968-1969. Once more he was wounded, receiving a total of 7 gunshot wounds.
After returning to the States, he was once again at Ft. Benning, Georgia to heal from his wounds. From there, he traveled to the University of Nebraska at Omaha to attend college. Charles received a BS degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections in 1972. His last assignment was at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, with retirement from military service November 30th, 1977.
His many military awards are as follows:
- Mechanics Badge with Propeller Bar
- Good Conduct Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Combat Infantry Badge
- Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Bronze Star Service Medal - Valor with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- 3 Bronze Star Service Medals - with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Medal
- Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Soldier's Medal
- Aircraft Crew Badge
- Silver Star Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, First Class
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal
- Presidential Unit Emblem Award
Charles also worked as a police officer for Kelly AFB, then co-founded a security company, Professional Protection, with an excellent friend. He was then hired to work Security for the University Health System in San Antonio, ultimately becoming Supervisor of the Transportation Department. He retired once more in 1995.
Charles' daughters were born in 1981, Catelin Lisette, and 1984, Christine Lottie, together with Carrie, and son, Lester, they built, owned and operated Triple "I" Ranch in Converse, Texas in 1983. Timber Hall Farm followed in 1988, also in Converse, Texas. Timber Hall was re-established in Marion, Texas in 1993.
For twenty-five more years Charles continued to build the new farm, mowing fields, building barns, roads, paddocks, and jumps for the horses. He assisted with the horse breeding operation, dog and cat rescues, and wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. Charles loved and respected the works of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Last Chance Forever (Raptors), and Schertz Homes for Pets.
Agent Orange caused numerous health issues and disabilities over the years after service in Vietnam. Two ground tours in jungles defoliated by dioxin led to many severe and brutal health issues. Charles fought those battles bravely all the way! He passed peacefully, we figured he and the Lord finally worked out a deal for his infantry blue ATV and his four German Shepherds.
Charles is survived by: Carrie Lee Itschner (wife); sons: Lester C.(Martha) Itschner, Roy W. (Debbie) Itschner; daughters: Catelin L. Itschner and Christine L. Itschner; granddaughter: Casey A. Jacinto; Grandsons: Charles (Olivia) Itschner, Matt S. (Courtnie) Itschner, Kevin Fansler and great-grandchildren: Levi, Layla, Skylar, Landon, Luke, Hudson, and Everett; Cousins: Mary Emma and LeRoy Ahlbom of Macon, Missouri. And many great and loving friends: both people and pets.
The family would like to thank all of Charles' amazing and caring health care teams at Main Methodist Hospital, Christus Santa Rosa (New Braunfels) Hospital, Eden Hill Rehabilitation, and Legend Oaks (New Braunfels) Rehabilitation. We especially want to thank our awesome Alamo Hospice Team for their perfect care of Charles, being sure he was not alone, afraid, or in pain in his final days at home.
The blessed time he had left, at home, enabled many friends from over the years to see him one more time. We will love him always, and miss him always!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following organizations or a rescue of your choice:
Schertz Home for Pets
P.O. Box 605, Schertz, TX 78154
Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Inc.
P.O. Box 369, Kendalia, TX 78027
Last Chance Forever
Bird of Prey Conservatory
P.O. Box 460993
San Antonio, TX 78246-0993
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Schertz Funeral Home.
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To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Itschner, please visit our flower store.
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