Charles Thomas Stevenson

Charles Thomas Stevenson—known to most as Chuck, to some as Tom, and briefly as “Steve” during his time in the Army National Guard—passed away surrounded by family on January 5, 2026, at Oak Park Place in Janesville, Wisconsin. Born July 23, 1940, Chuck was a lifelong Janesville resident who lived a life defined by movement, curiosity, craftsmanship, and an enduring desire to understand how things worked.

Chuck graduated from Janesville High School in 1959 and went on to serve in the Army National Guard following high school. He spent 30 years working at General Motors in Janesville, retiring in 1989. Over the course of his career, Chuck moved through many departments, effectively learning how to build an entire car from the ground up—knowledge he would later put to enthusiastic use in retirement.

An active member of UAW Local 95, Chuck was never content to stop building. In retirement, he rebuilt a 1957 Chevy from parts collected over time, restored classic vehicles including a Model T, and continued what he had always done best: tinkering, figuring, and making. He built his own home in Emerald Grove with his wife Jane and their parents—a kit house shipped by train—and later constructed a pole barn to house his many vehicles. His garage, affectionately known as “The Museum,” was filled with vehicles, memorabilia, and stories, all shared freely with friends and family. Every object seemed to come with a history, and Chuck was always happy to tell it.

A man of motion in every sense, Chuck loved snowmobiling and ran a marathon in 1984. He was deeply involved in aviation throughout his life and was a devoted member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He served as Chairman of the Ultralight Group alongside Jane and volunteered for decades at the Ultralight Barn Headquarters during EAA AirVenture. Chuck flew many kinds of aircraft—most often ultralights—participated in a B-17 squadron tour, flew and sold Weedhopper ultralights, and once famously built an aircraft in his basement during the winter because it was simply too cold to work outside.

His curiosity extended well beyond engines and airframes. Chuck was an avid bird watcher, a student of astronomy, and a longtime enthusiast of aliens and UFOs—approaching the subject with equal parts humor and genuine scientific wonder. He visited Roswell, New Mexico, and may or may not have had a sighting or two, depending on the day and the storyteller. In August 2017, he traveled with his wife Jane, granddaughter Kristin, her husband Marty, and his dog Milo to witness the total solar eclipse—an experience that delighted him deeply.

Chuck also served his community as Bradford Township Constable for more than a decade, becoming locally legendary for catching stray dogs, naming them after the day of the week he found them, and bringing them to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin if they were not claimed.

A familiar face at swap meets, car shows, thresherees, and garage sales, Chuck was always on the hunt for treasures and stories alike. His vehicles were featured in the film No Gods No Masters (filmed in Milwaukee in 2009), and he and his brother Bill appeared as extras—though whether their scene made the final cut remained a running joke. A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Chuck even helped resod Lambeau Field before the NFC Championship Game in 1997 using one of his many machines.

Chuck shared a lifelong love and friendship with his wife, Jane (Jones) Stevenson. The two met as ninth graders while riding the school bus and were married on August 10, 1963, at Emerald Grove Congregational UCC Church. He is survived by Jane; his daughter Cheryl (David) Peterson; his son Scott Stevenson; four grandchildren, Nathan Peterson, Kristin (Marty) Kaszubowski, Monica Peterson, and Alex Stevenson; and his younger brother Bill (Sue) Stevenson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marjorie (Wiseman) Stevenson; his in-laws, Leslie and Ruth Jones; his sister Sandra Galassi; her husband Richard Galassi; and three nephews.

In recent years, Chuck made a home at Oak Park Place, where he enjoyed the company of new neighbors and continued building community with Jane.

Those who knew him best knew this truth: if something broke, Chuck assumed it was simply inviting him to understand it better—or, failing that, to apply duct tape and carry on. He was an ever-curious, determined tinkerer, a gifted storyteller, and someone who could hold court around a table for hours. His family will remember him especially for his ambitious projects, his beloved “toys,” and his belief that most things could be figured out with patience, persistence, and a little ingenuity.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Foundation, in honor of Chuck’s lifelong love of animals, aviation, and experimentation.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., funeral at 11:30 followed by a luncheon at EMERALD GROVE CONGREGATIONAL UCC, 8127 US-14, Janesville. The family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.