JANESVILLE - Charles H. Cottam, 78, of Janesville died unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Mercy Hospital.

He was born in Portage on Nov. 2, 1930, the son of David H. and Mildred Link Cottam. Charles married June Ann McFaul on Dec. 6, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa. She predeceased him Sept. 13, 2004. Charles was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on Dec. 3, 1954, after serving two tours of duty. He later went to work for GMAD, retiring from skilled trades, as a millwright after 32 years of service in 1987.

After retiring, he and his wife moved to Briggsville and returned to Janesville in 1998. Charles was a very supportive husband and father to his family. He was very proud of his three sons, their families and their accomplishments.

Charles was a laid-back and quiet person, but he always kept to a schedule, had a routine and always was prompt. He instilled this in his children, which they continue to follow. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, an occasional trip to the casino and a cold beer with friends. Charles was a member of Briggsville American Legion Post 329.

He is survived by his three sons, Charles (Vicki) Cottam Jr. of Janesville, Robert (Lynda) Cottam of Janesville and Dennis Cottam of Huntington, Ind.; four grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Kirsten, Claire, Melissa (Peter) Cronin and Jennifer; and great-grandson Caiden Cronin. He is further survived by two sisters, Ann Cooper of Madison, and Pat Freits of Escanaba, Mich. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Milton Lawns Memorial Park Chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz officiating. Entombment will follow.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday in the chapel. Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home of Janesville is assisting with arrangements.