Charles (Chuck) Ohmstead

Charles “Chuck” L. Ohmstead of Forest City, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 8, 2024.  He was 84 years old.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Marion Nogle Ohmstead, a sister, Karen Smith, and a daughter DeAnne Marie Ohmstead, all of Zion, IL. 

He is survived by his brother, Gordy Ohmstead of Zion, Illinois, and his sister, Emilie Hoselton of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Left to carry on his legacy are his children:  Cristine Cooney (Chip) of Statesville, NC; DaLea Beane (Tim) of Concord, NC; Erik Ohmstead of Ellenboro; Chad Ohmstead (Jill) of Cherryville, NC; and Lori Altamura of Berthoud, CO.  He is also survived by eight grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews:  Olivia Cooney, Walton Cooney, Carson Beane, Caleb Beane, Judson Ohmstead, Landry Ohmstead, Paxton Altamura, and Lachlan Altamura.

Chuck was born in Kenosha, WI on March 30, 1940.  He moved to Forest City in 1973 where he started Ohmstead Plumbing Company.  Chuck’s dedication to excellence in service and quality work were the premise on which he built a successful business that is carried on now under the leadership of his sons.  As a licensed Master Plumber, he was integral in interpreting and organizing the implementation of the state required building codes for the town of Forest City in 1981.  He was an active member of the community as he served on the board for Forest City Parks and Recreation, served as president of Forest Swim Team, was integral in developing a BMX track at Crowe Park for community use, and spearheaded the effort to start the first swim team at East Rutherford High School.  In 1996, Chuck and Donna Ohmstead were honored by the Rutherford County Rotary Club with the Ernie Ross Memorial Service Award. Chuck had a love for travel.  He explored much of the United States by car, camper, motorcycle, and biking.  His larger-than-life personality took over the room as he was often joking and laughing with those he knew. 

The family will welcome friends at a Celebration of Life at Mountain Brook Vineyards on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 731 Phillips Dairy Rd, Tryon, NC 28782 from 3:30 until 6:00. 

Interment was private at the Cool Springs Cemetery in Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition directed to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Post Office Box 1349, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139.  (rutherfordoutdoor.org/donate)

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangement and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.