Charlie W. Tobias, 86, died Jan. 2 [2003] at his residence.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange with burial in the La Grange City Cemetery. The Rev. Matthew Groenke officiated.

Born Feb. 29, 1916 in Ellinger, he was the son of Joe and Annie (Hruska) Tobias. He married his first wife Elna M. Janssen June 11, 1940 in La Grange. She died in 1982. He married his second wife Florence Wern Aug. 25, 1984. She died in 2001. He was a long time owner and operator of the Charlie Tobias Company Furniture and Appliance Store in downtown La Grange. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, former director of the Fayette County Fair Association, lifetime member of the VFW Post #5254 of La Grange, member of the Ellinger Sons of Hermann Lodge, former member of the La Grange Lions Club and a former member of the board of directors of Austin Savings & Loan Association of La Grange. He served in the United States Air Corps during World War II.

Survivors include two sisters, Annie Kallus of La Grange and Lillie Becka of Fayetteville; and two sisters-in-law, Rosa Lee Tobias of Ellinger and Leona Tobias of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, second wife; six brothers, Joe, John, Otto, Frank, Ed, and Henry Tobias and five sisters, Mary Hubenak, Albina Hruska, Millie Myers, Rosie Korenek, and Jennie Tobias.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange.

Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home of La Grange was in charge of arrangements.

Posted by Rosemary (Sodolak) Ermis of Alvin, Tx