Charles Curtis Church II

Charles Curtis Church II, 88, born in Steubenville, Ohio passed away peacefully in the afternoon on May 1st, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and leaving a void that can never be filled. His life was marked by a profound dedication to lifelong learning and adventure that he passed on to everyone around him.

Born to Charles Curtis Church I and Laura Elizabeth Robertson, Charles was in the first graduating class of Eastmoor High School in Columbus and served as the football co-captain, salutatorian, and class president. He went on to Ohio State University and played as a running back for Woody Hayes's football team. Even after working night shifts to pay for room and board, Charles graduated in three years and was then accepted to OSU medical school.

Charles received his residency training in Radiology at the University of Washington in Seattle. It's where his first son was born. It's also where he developed his passion for mountaineering, in which he climbed Mount Rainier... twice. A curiosity in German led him to Fellowships at the Middlesex Hospital in London, England, and A. Krankenhaus St. Georg in Hamburg, Germany. In 1967 Charles joined the United States Navy as Lieutenant Commander, leading the medical corps of the Naval Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island, and also on the USS Charles H. Roan.

After the Navy, Charles returned to Ohio and practiced at the Toledo and Flower Hospital, where he eventually became the Director of Radiology. Even with all of his accomplishments, Charles was humble and listened much more than he talked. But if there was one thing he would tell you it's that he helped bring the first MRI machine to Northwest Ohio. Through his connections with Germany he worked with Siemens to ensure that the 24th MRI machine in the world would land in Toledo.

There was so much to love about Charles. He believed in the simple things in life and felt most of life's big problems could be solved by getting outside in nature. He was a member of the Toledo Ski Club and he taught his four kids how to ski. He was also a lifelong tennis player, cyclist, and sailor.

Charles was kind, compassionate and selfless and was beloved by all who met him and knew him. He was a true introvert at heart, and loved to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and books whenever he had free time. He loved to travel internationally and fell in love with Europe and all of its rich traditions and history. But most of all he loved becoming a father and watching each of his four children pursue their lifelong dreams. He supported, listened, and loved his family above all else.

He is survived by three sons and one daughter - Charles Curtis Church III (of Sylvania, Ohio), Scott Church (of Steamboat Springs, Colorado), Mark Church (of Austin, Texas), and Laura Church (of Newport Beach, California) among many other friends and family who miss him dearly. We lost and mourn an incredible man, father, grandfather and a kind soul. He will be greatly missed and will live on in our hearts forever.

Please join us in celebrating Charles' life this Saturday, May 9th, 2026, with visiting and refreshments from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio. A memorial service with military honors will begin at 3 p.m.