Charles Krotz of Chesapeake, Virginia, aged 86, passed away on May 6, 2026. Charlie was born April 27, 1940 in Rushville, Nebraska to Frank and Shirley Krotz. He grew up on the family cattle ranch near Rushville where he learned the values of hard work, self sufficiency, purpose, humility, helping others, and waking very early to start the day – values he carried with him his entire life. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a proud Navy veteran, and someone always quick with humor and a corny joke. 

Charlie graduated from Chadron State College in Chadron Nebraska and joined the Navy in 1962, receiving his commission in 1963 (after learning how to swim). He trained as a bombardier navigator in the A3 Skywarrior and joined Heavy Attack Squadron Eight in 1964, followed by Heavy Attack Squadron 123 in 1967. He transitioned to the A6 Intruder and joined Attack Squadron 145 in 1969 and served in the squadron until 1971. After a two-year stint at another duty assignment, he returned to Attack Squadron 145 from 1973 to 1976. His naval aviation experience included deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Midway and USS Ranger, combat missions over Vietnam, and hundreds of carrier landings. 

Following his aviation assignments, Charlie served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a member of the National Emergency Airborne Command Post. He then served as executive officer and commanding officer of Tactical Air Control Squadron 22 from 1978 to 1982. After that, he served on the USS Independence as Weapons Officer. In 1987, he was named the commanding officer of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes. His final duty assignment was with Naval Operations at the Pentagon. He retired as a Captain in 1991 after 29 years serving the country he loved. 

After retirement, Charlie worked for several years as a tax preparer with Jackson Hewitt. He also joined the congregation of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where he greatly enjoyed serving in various volunteer roles, including ushering and helping to feed the homeless.

Charlie loved working in his garage, tinkering on cars and working with his hands. He owned several vintage Fords over the years, including two Model Ts, a 1964 Ford Fairlane, and a 1966 Ford pickup. He rooted for the Denver Broncos in good years and bad. He had a soft spot for dogs, fixed something as soon as it broke, and always lent a hand to others when he could. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. 

He is remembered with love by his wife of 57 years, Marianna; his sons, Matt (wife Sue) of Douglasville, GA and Dan (wife Lynsey) of Albany, CA; his grandchildren Lauren, Kyle, Keira, and Anya; his two brothers Cy and Keith and their families, and numerous other relatives and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm on June 13, 2026 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chesapeake, VA (233 Mann Drive). A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice.