RACINE - On Saturday, November 8, 2014, Charles Svendsen, 64, lost his courageous 3 year battle with cancer. He passed with grace and dignity surrounded by his family who were well loved.Chuck was born in Superior, Nebraska April 13, 1950 to the late Barbara Hanmer and Einer Svendsen. Most of his childhood was spent in Racine County. He graduated from Union Grove High School, Dallas Baptist University, and Southwestern Theological Seminary. He was employed by OPEX Corporation until October 15th when the cancer made working impossible.On September 23, 1972 Chuck and the former Ellen Keefe were joined in marriage. When asked the secret to a long married life, he often would say it was laughter.Survivors include his children: Angela (Jose') Escobar and Brian (Jessica) Svendsen; his grandchildren, Mykaila, Karina, and Zaida; his sister Ruth (Jeff Martinkoski) Svendsen; brother Thomas (Renee Rego) Svendsen; sister-in-law and neighbor Kathleen (Richard) Bertola; and extended family Marion Svendsen and Linda (Jim) Kramer. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Lorraine and Matthew J. Keefe; his brothers-in-law James Keefe and Timothy Keefe, and his wife Linda Kite Svendsen who also lost her life to cancer during their 3-year marriage.A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at Roma Lodge at 2:00 p.m. Please join us for a memorial service followed by lunch, laughter, and reminiscing.In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor his memory by performing a random act of kindness in his name.