Charles Chris Maack

On the evening of Tuesday, July 2, 2024, retired Command Master Chief Petty Officer, USN Charles “Chuck” Chris Maack passed away at the venerable age of 91 and was ushered to heaven at the moment of death by a spectacular sunset so beautiful that it could inspire the staunchest unbelievers that there is, indeed, a God. 

Charles was born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At the age of 17 and through signed documents by his mother, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to begin what would be a long and successful career totaling 30+ years. He opted to remain a non-commissioned officer throughout due to better duty assignments, and after 27 years of active service, retired as a Command Master Chief Petty Officer (E9). His occupation as a cryptologic communications technician in the cryptology department required his position to be held top secret, but lead to duty stations both he and his family loved living at: Guam twice; Washington D.C.; Oahu, Hawaii; Kodiak, Alaska; Homestead AFB in South Miami, FL twice; and London, England. Charles was held in high esteem during his Naval career, and is remembered with respect by leading his men by example. 

Fifteen years following retirement in Miami, the remaining family who were not married moved to Wichita, KS in 1991 to be near his oldest daughter and granddaughters. Nineteen months later in November 1992, Charles was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Following surgery and treatment that resulted in remission but requiring life-long medications to maintain, he became a long-time prostate cancer advocate who served as secretary and treasurer for the Wichita Chapter of the US Too International organization. Charles was passionate about fighting prostate cancer and strived to learn as much as he could about the latest trends, findings and treatments for prostate cancer and its side effects. Over the years, he wrote over two hundred helpful articles for men and their caregivers (many of which were published in medical and science journals), and provided advice and counsel via the internet, making friends, and changing lives world-wide. He gave daily of his time, knowledge, and experience for many years up to his passing, and was loved by many locally and worldwide. 

Over and above everything, Charles’s main priority in life was his family. He was devoted to his loving wife of 67+ years, AnnaBelle "Ann" Francis (nee Perlog), who preceded him in death three years ago. He was his family’s “Rock” to the very end, and has left behind his children: Monica Ann Maack Tiller, Michael Chris Maack (wife Leigh Anne ‘nee Rowdon), Mark Andrew Maack, and Mary Marlese Gypsy Maack; Six grandchildren: Erin Kristen Tiller (42), Lauren Ashley Tiller (38), Caitlin “Caity” Alayne Tiller Forrester (34); husband Sean), Kaleigh Anne Maack (32), Casey Rowdon Maack (29; wife Brecca) and Shelby Lynn Stedman (24); and eight great-grandchildren: Tristan, Jocelyn, Ryleigh, Timberlyn, Liam, Stella, Jayce, and Riley. 

Rest in peace, Charles. You had a long, happy, and rich life. 

"Your soul, so restless, so old, so pure. 
You left your land to sail the distant shore 
And find what your heart wishes for." 

"Fair winds and following seas." 

Reflection Pointe Funeral Home and Crematory will provide a private family service, and Charles’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Winfield, Kansas Veteran's Cemetery where he will join his beloved wife’s, AnnaBelle, following military funeral honors.