Charles Juenemann, 1949-2018

Charles Thomas Juenemann, educator, explorer, ponderer, and lifelong friend, died December 27 of a heart attack. He was 69. 

Charles was a self-taught guitarist and pianist, a daily crossword puzzle doer, a mender (antique amplifiers and speakers, relationships). He was a book guy, a sports guy, a berry pie guy. He loved his classic Chevy Nova and always changed the oil in his cars himself but could also identify Limoges china in an antique store. 

Before retiring, Charles was a principal in the West Linn and Estacada school districts and before that an English teacher at Damascus Middle School.

Charles was perceptive about people and liked by most, including his ex wives. He was there to help out in a pinch—from woodworking projects and house catastrophes to emotional support and babysitting grandkids.

A world traveler who entertained loved ones with travelogues from his adventures, Charles had an Oregon road map with every road he’d traveled highlighted and a map of the US marked with every place he’d camped or visited. He had an eye for seeing things that others missed, and while hiking with friends in the Utah desert in 2005 he found an intact Anasazi pot, which now resides in The Edge of the Cedars Museum.

Survivors include Charles’ children, Brian (Megan), Eric (Sharon), and Eran (Abe), whom he shared with his former spouse, Judy Evans; grandchildren Finn, Esmé, Charlotte, Evan, Iris, Willow, Harper, and Josephine; siblings Paul, Glenn, Mari, and Mark; former spouse Jamie Birkett; and companion Brigette Cleverley. Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Ann, and his parents, Walter and Martha Juenemann.

There will be a celebration of Charles’ life January 12 at 1pm at the McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE Third Street). Friends and family are invited to bring musical instruments and stories to share. There will be pie.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to The Bears Ears Visit with Respect Education Center via The Friends of Cedar Mesa .

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