Charles J. Leja, 98, of Abrams passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 20, 2025, at Brookview Meadows Assisted Living, Green Bay. The son of Charles and Nellie (Bobel) Leja was born at home on the family farm in Sobieski on January 21, 1927.

On October 20, 1951, Charlie married Leona Kontny at St John Cantius Church, Sobieski. He worked for several years as an over-the-road truck driver. In 1948, Charlie and his brother Edward purchased a farm in Abrams which he eventually owned until his retirement.

For 21 years, Charlie worked for the Selective Service Draft Board for Oconto and Marinette Counties and in 1976, he received a certificate of appreciation from President Gerald R. Ford. For 12 years, he was on the committee for the US Farmers Home Administration.

Charlie was an Abrams town board supervisor and was a founding member of the Town of Abrams Planning Commission. He was a life-long member of St. John Cantius Church; had received all of his sacraments there and served as a trustee.

Charlie enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead. He looked forward to Mondays when he would get together with the neighborhood card club, attended church card parties, and played poker with the Tuesday night poker group at Brookview Meadows. He also enjoyed Polka music, polka dancing, and playing blackjack at the casino. After retirement, Charlie and Leona loved to travel the world and U.S. including trips to Poland, Austria, Switzerland, England, Italy, Germany, Australia, Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and many other states. Charlie was also a man full of fun, spunk, and a feisty spirit. His quick wit and mischievous sense of humor kept us all on our toes and brought joy to so many.

Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Leona; four children: Dr. Loretta Leja, Ron (Cathy) Leja, Shirley (Trevor) Sains and Debbie Leja-Grady; grandchildren: Andy Jackson (fiancé, Brandi Lawrey), Becky Jackson, Chris Jackson, Ryan (Melissa) Leja, Renee (Travis) Falkowski, Rory Leja (special friend, Stepanie Feucht), Riley (Chuck) McDermid, Savana  and Tanner Sains; great -grandchildren: Daniel Faith, Carter Bur, Makenzie and Gavin  Lawrey, Lylia, Addyson, and Evelyn Leja, Jack and Ty Falkowski, Carter, Nolan and Macy Feucht, Gracyn and Hunter McDermid; sister Alice (Carl) Blazei; sisters-in-law Theresa Leja and Monica Kontny; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Charles and Nellie, he was preceded in death by two infant sons, Joseph Charles and Gary John Leja; an infant brother, Joseph Leja; three brothers: Stanley (Estelle) Leja, Edward (Lillian) Leja, and Leo Leja; a sister, Mary (Chester) Wojciechowski; two brothers-in-law: Hank Kontny and Richard (Joan) Kontny; and two sons-in-law: Dr. Douglas Jackson and Timm Grady.

Friends are invited to gather with family at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 6051 Noble Street, Sobieski, on Saturday, March 29, from 9-11 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. Francis Nusi presiding. Burial will follow in St. John Cantius Cemetery, Sobieski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlie's family, for causes that were meaningful to him. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Brookview Meadows and the Moments Hospice Team, especially Alyssa and Angela, for the wonderful care given to Charlie.

Online condolences may be offered to the Leja family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.