Charles "Mad Dog" Meyers

Charles Frank Meyers, known only by that name to his mother, and to the rest of the universe as Mad Dog, was born June 21, 1952 and left this plane quietly and peacefully March 27, 2023 at age 70 - likely much to his chagrin, as his plan involved a boat, a fire and a Viking send-off of sorts, seriously.

Though his nickname was chosen because, as the story goes, he could get “madder than a dog,” beneath the tough exterior was a soft-hearted man. That is, unless you changed the channel from whatever sports program he was watching. Dog made friends everywhere he went, charming them along the way with a wink, and was the favorite patron at the Third Street Diner, which is the place you could find him up to 5 times a day. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing and beyond his whole life. One could tell this simply by seeing him in literal head-to-toe camo outfits <insert joke here about not actually being able to see him, because you know, camo>, or by the photos he took of his catches splayed proudly over and across his children when they were too young to move. Or by the fact that he once upon a time, and before cell phones, took a trip to the Arctic Circle and took a “wrong turn” resulting in an extra 4 days of hunting that made him miss his flight home, his wife left to wonder where he was, and that she would nearly miss her own vacation by him running late. Whether or not he planned said wrong turn will be forever known to him alone. It has always been evident that Mad Dog lived life as he wanted, how he wanted, and on his own terms, which resulted in a number of amazing adventures in some of the most beautiful parts of North America, we know, we now have the pictures. In short, he was an unforgettable man.

He is survived by his wife Mary (known as the “Warwagon” by Dog, which was an affectionate term by his definition, we are absolutely serious). They were an inseparable pair, and he loved her tremendously, as was demonstrated as he searched for her hand in his final days, and until he could no longer speak, made sure to tell her he loved her so, so much every moment he could. He is also missed deeply by his dog Tinker, and cat Blondie. He is further survived by his son Justin (Nikki) and his Grand Dogs Gus, Mika, Arnie and Jax, who all reveled in spending time with him at their land “up north,” whether it be feeding the ants flies- you read that right, hand-feeding hummingbirds, cutting things down (usually with a chainsaw one-handed and a rope), and other assorted father/son things, or just sitting on the dock taking life in. From the aforementioned outdoorsman he was, one such visit included giving his daughter-in-law an owl call “Just In Case.” Seriously. And if curious, one just yells “who cooks for you” in an owl voice and they will respond back. This led to lots of woodland creatures flocking to the property ala Snow White to see what was going on, much to everyone’s delights, which made Mad Dog happier than, well, a dog.

His is also survived by his daughter Amy, who learned and loved his ways of hunting and fishing from an early age - there’s even a story about how, at age 5, he took her bear hunting but she somehow ended up escaping the truck she was told precisely not to leave as everyone got geared up, making her way to where the bear was treed, before anyone else got there. No one knows how that happened, but she lived to tell the tale, which is very similar to how many of Mad Dog’s own adventures ended as well. He cherished helping her with projects on her farm that she began on her own later in her life, and was no doubt proud of the self-sufficient woman she became. He’s also survived by his absolutely beloved grandson, Nixon, who takes after his mother Amy who took after Mad Dog in so many ways… perhaps this is Dog’s version of payback. We will follow up in later years with how this all pans out. Kidding, but we are certain there will be stories to be told about Nixon’s will and determination, especially when it comes to hunting and going fishing, and how that matches up to his grandfather’s.

He survived by his band of brothers, Terry (Dee) Meyers, Stan (Cindy) Anderson, Jerry (Mandy) Anderson, Jim (Lisa) Anderson and Greg Anderson. Not a story can be told without hearing that Mad Dog was the ring leader in what can only be described as sheer- but awesome chaos among these men in their formative years, usually ending up in a visit to the local hospital, sometimes all of them at once. It could be said that every gray hair on their mother’s head was brought upon by their mischief and tomfoolery, but truth be told, she was likely the one who taught them everything they knew. He is also survived by his kind and sweet sister Paula (George) Holm, and yes, we heard the stories about Greg and the dryer, so she could definitely hang. He absolutely cherished the stuffed cat she brought him while he was sick to keep him company as his real-life cat couldn’t visit him. No one can confirm or deny if said real cat actually made it to see him a time or two, but the stuffed version was confirmed to be by his side every moment. Finally, he is survived by so, so many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-versions of such, and his Great Aunt Judy (Erv) Henke.

He's preceded in death by his mother Dolly, father Charles, step-father Adolph “Swede” Anderson, brothers David and Kenny and sister Nancy, as well as many friends and furry critters; he had a real soft spot for animals. He truly had quite the welcoming squad, and though he is missed dearly, is likely having a ball in his reunion (one just has to read the stories above to see what kind of veritable trouble they are all getting into)… or is off riding his Honda into the sunset.

Mad Dog wanted to be remembered for who he was, and honestly, who could blame him with such a storied and wild life? And as such, requested not to have a funeral. So in lieu of that, and flowers or whatever else, tell a story about him to keep his memory alive- because, as his very, very faded (and likely given to him in some garage in the 70’s by a dude named Snake) tattoo says “Death is Certain, Life is Not,” which says it all about our too-short-of-time here, so live your life fully and on your terms, Mad Dog demands it.

This family knows how to have a good time, if that wasn’t already blatantly obvious, and so it makes complete sense that there will be a celebration of life. So, if you’re so inclined, join the family Sunday, April 16 2023 from 2 – 6 p.m. at Lake Park Pub (8904 Lake Park Rd Menasha, WI) and get ready to hear lots (like, lots lots) of wild stories that one may question are true, but as it has been said many times before “they have the scars to prove.” Let’s fully send Mad Dog off not quite in the flames he had hoped for (it’s not legal, sorry Dog) but even better, with family and friends who loved that old, growly dog so dearly. A GoFundMe has been set up for his wife, Mary to assist with the numerous medical bills and costs associated with Mad Dog’s final arrangements. Mad Dog's GoFundMe link, click on the following: https://gofund.me/271aa81f.