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In memory of

Charles "Chuck" H. Auer

Midland, GA

1930 - January 2, 2021

1930 - Jan 2, 2021

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LTC Charles (Chuck) Hildreth Auer, Sr. (Ret)

Chuck died on January 2, 2021, after a month-long struggle post stroke. He was lovingly cared for and survived by his daughter, Judge Marjorie Auer Golden (Michael) and son LTC Charles H. Auer, Jr. USA, Retired, (Laura Boyd), and grandchildren, Chase, John Clark, Presley, and Grant. Helen Hrouda Auer, his beautiful and loving spouse and fabulous caretaker, preceded him in death in August 2019. He was a resident of Columbus, Georgia, and had been a resident of Covenant Woods and the Oaks at Grove Park. The staff at each location were kind and caring and so helpful during his last years.

Chuck was born on February 1930 in Newton, Massachusetts. He was the son of Hildreth and Marjorie Bennett Auer. He graduated from Johnson High School, North Andover Massachusetts, Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont in 1953. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Chuck began his Army career detailed as an Armor Officer prior to transitioning to the Quartermaster Corps. His tours of duty included Italy, Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Hawaii, and other stateside assignments. He earned numerous commendations and awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal. Chuck and Helen retired from the U.S. Army in 1975 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Chuck was an avid runner, sold real estate, and was active as an assistant director of the Pikes Peak Marathon and Triple Crown of Running for several years. He loved to golf and served as President and Tournament Director with the Eisenhower Men’s Golf Association. Chuck was Norwich University’s Class of 1953 Agent and received the Alumni Association’s Sustained Service Award in 1998.

As grandparents do, Chuck and Helen moved to Columbus, Georgia in 2012 to be near their grandchildren and to watch them grow up. The grandchildren had the pleasure of really knowing their grandparents and helped to lovingly care for them through their medical struggles.

His children had many great memories growing up with their Dad including his requests to “police the yard” for various types of litter and dog debris. He woke them up every morning with a toe jiggle and a cheery admonishment to “rise and shine, another day to excel.” As a result, his kids are still early risers, squared away, and have yards free of litter and debris.

While Chuck did not contract COVID, he did live with the isolation that resulted from no visits or interaction with loved ones and friends due to the understandable lockdown of assisted living facilities. He will be remembered for many things, but in particular, that he always told the truth and always acted as a gentleman (with the exception of yelling at himself on the golf course). He was well loved by his family, friends, and caregivers. He was in the loving arms of his son as he left this earthly plane. Our final message to him is one that we repeated at the end of every phone call: we love you, we miss you, and we will think of you all the time.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Lukes Respite Ministry, at 1021 3rd Ave., Columbus, GA 31901, or Norwich University Class of 1953, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663.

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