Charles William Ristau

Charles William Ristau of Emporia died on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Holiday Resort Care Center, Emporia.

Charlie was born on June 11, 1928 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the son of Ervin Otto, Sr., and Fern Francis Kohlasch Ristau.  He married the love of his life, Viola Verda Macke on February 18, 1957 in Corinth, Mississippi.  She died on November 21, 2001 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Surviving family member include: son, David E. Ristau of Emporia; daughter, Judy Thurston and companion Rick Whitmore of Emporia; brother, Ervin O. Ristau and wife Joyce of Overland Park, Kansas; sister, Nancy Condit and husband Bob of Clayton, Indiana; many nieces and nephews with a special thanks to his niece Maribeth Rasdall, and two grand-dogs, Oliver and Annie.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sisters, Betty and Phyllis; brothers-in-law, Gene and Bloyce; sister-in-law, Mildred; and son-in-law, Larry Thurston.

Charlie managed Woolworth and Woolco stores for 34 years before settling in Emporia, where he was manager of the year in 1980.  He later worked for Harrison Company in the western division.  Charlie also served as Director of Emporia Chamber of Commerce from 1977-1980.  During 1994-1996, he sold real estate for Ek Real Estate before going to work for the Mental Health Center in Emporia for 15 years, where he retired at age 89.  Charlie served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of Ball-McColm Post #5 American Legion in Emporia.  He was fortunate enough to attend the Honor Flight in April of 2016.

Cremation is planned with a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Patio Garden of Memorial Lawn Cemetery, with military honors by Ball-McColm Post #5 American Legion and Lowry Funston Post #1980 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Due to county health restrictions, please practice social distancing at the cemetery.  Memorial contributions to the Buffy Animal Welfare Group or Holiday Resort Walkway Fund may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.