Racine – Charles Cornelius Veenstra, 85, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Chuck was born in Racine on August 27, 1924 to Garrett and Magdalene (nee, Heusdens) Veenstra. He married the former Helen Isabel Sinclair on June 19, 1948 in the Howe Chapel at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Chuck was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corp serving in both WWII and Korea. He headed Veenstra Lumber and founded Big Buck Building Centers and Custom Component Company, serving as President until he retired in 1985. He was a lifelong sailor and member of the Racine Yacht Club. In retirement Chuck and Helen enjoyed more than a decade sailing the Caribbean. He was also a former aviator, electronics buff and ham radio operator. Chuck also served as the head of Racine's United Way campaign and the Racine Area Chamber of Commerce. Chuck was a longtime member of the Racine Downtown Rotary as well as many local and national boards. But most of all, Chuck Veenstra lived life to the fullest for his nearly 86 years. Chuck is survived by his wife, Helen Isabel Veenstra; children, Valerie R. Hansen, Charles "Chick" (Pamela) Veenstra, Jr., Richard S. (Deborah Havey) Veenstra all of Racine, and Douglas G. Veenstra of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Beverly Multerer of Seattle, WA, Erin (Chris) Mirabella of Woodland Park, CO, Rebecca (Tim) Groff of Papillian, NE and Annabel Rose Veenstra of Albuquerque, NM; great-grandchildren, Micah and Lindsey Mirabella; and his sister, Audrey Luedke of Benson, AZ. Chuck is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Garret "Bud" Veenstra. A Memorial services for Chuck will be held at the Racine Yacht Club, 1 Barker Street, on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 3 p.m. with Rev. Walter Herman officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Racine Yacht Club on Thursday afternoon from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lincoln Lutheran of Racine or ones favorite charity.