Charles “Charlie” David Tisdale passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 83.
Born January 15, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Charlie attended Lincoln Southeast High School and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
His youth was rich with Lincoln history. He loved telling stories about playing in Robber’s Cave or his job at one of Lincoln’s very first Runza restaurants. He had a passion for literature, spanning from history to science fiction, and had an extensive library.
He always had a keen, intelligent sense of his surroundings and used humor to dictate a conversation. He was known for always carrying a pen and small memo pad in his shirt pocket to jot down phone numbers, addresses, funny memories, and (especially) jokes he didn’t want to forget.
His 33-year marriage to Jean “Jeannie” Dunekacke was filled with love and laughter. Together, they were a force for all things jolly, colorful and humorous. They loved traveling — from the Mediterranean to Sac ‘n Fox Casino and dozens of destinations in between. He was passionate about tasty food (especially sweets and anything with chocolate). After he retired from his career of 32 years from Good Year, he reveled in his regular trips to the nearby “B&R” grocery store from which he would return with entertaining stories about his people-watching experiences — and often a king-sized chocolate bar.
Charlie wasn’t shy about expressing gratitude for the people he loved. He glowed with pride talking about his granddaughter Jocelyn. Her accomplishments (and the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews) were among Charlie’s favorite topics of conversation. He and Jeannie doted on their dachshunds, and they never missed the annual opportunity to call each of their relatives to sing “Happy Birthday.” Perhaps the only birthday tradition they loved more was scouring Lincoln in pursuit of the most colorful birthday cards the city had to offer.
Charlie’s observations on life were honest, and he will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jean “Jeannie” Dunekacke, son Lee “Mott-ly” Tisdale, parents Herschel and Marie Tisdale, and siblings-in-law Carol Dunekacke and Paul Dunekacke. He is survived by his son Paul Tisdale, his wife Carla and their daughter Jocelyn Tisdale. Charlie is also remembered by his siblings-in-law and their families: Dave Dunekacke, Karen Dunekacke, Lee and Mary Lou Dunekacke, and Mary Ann and Dennis Johnson. He left behind nine nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces and nephews.
Rest in Peace.