Charles Edward Maust

Charles E. Maust, 91, of Berlin began life on Aug. 1, 1931 in Brothersvalley Twp. and ended it here in his earthly body on November 23, 2022. They say this life is the dash between the beginning and end. Charles' (Charlie or Bud) life started as the 10th and last child born to Charles L and Rose M. Maust. He grew up on the family farm, located on Beulah Road, Berlin. He, like most of his older brothers, was drafted into the military where he served in the Army during the Korean War. After the war, he met his wife, Colleen (Rhodes) Maust during a 1954 Somerset bowling league season. They married May 4, 1956, and resided on Salco Rd., Berlin where they started their family of 5 children. Shortly afterwards, Charles took over the dairy farm from his parents, moved his family to Beulah Rd. and named his farm Sugar Bottom Farm.  Upon retiring from dairy farming, Bud became a rural postal carrier at the Berlin Post Office. Charles was a member of the Berlin Men's Octet; played the fife in the Berlin Fife and Drum Corp and was Chaplain for the Berlin Veterans Home where he officiated at over 200 military funerals. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, a past member of the Berlin I.O.O.F. Lodge and an Honorary State FFA Member. His favorite pastime was sitting on his front porch at the farm, waving at every person who passed by.  Later, when he and Colleen moved to town, he continued that tradition of waving at everyone who passed by. On warm sunny days, you could often find him sitting in his open garage with Colleen, reading his magazines, or doing his word search or crossword puzzles. He enjoyed hunting and going to farm auctions with his brothers and sons. Charles bragged about never missing his opportunity to vote. He loved the family reunions, Christmas gatherings at his sister Eleanor's home; talking on the phone with his sister Emily, the old time shows on TV and keeping up with the weather, and the news. Some of his greatest friendships were with his "brothers" from the Legion and VFW. He never wanted to miss a meeting of the board and often would ride along with his friend Ed Zorn. October 15, 2022, was a difficult time for Charlie as Colleen, his wife, preceded him in death. He often would comment he didn't plan for it to be this way. He is preceded in death by parents, his wife of 66 years, and 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by children: Neil A. (Dorothy) Maust, Lorrie A. (Scott) Shaw, Lynn A. Maust, Charles F. (Jackie) Maust and John T. Maust; 7 grandchildren: Adam (Heather) and Matt Maust, Jason (Ginger), Carrie (Craig) and Courtney Custer, and Paula and Amanda Maust; and 4 great grandchildren; one remaining sibling, Emily Fritz, 102, of Berlin; sisters-in-law, Sara Maust, Greta (John) Bocsy; brother-in-law Charles E. Rhodes; friend Marcia Maust; and special friend Angie Coddington. Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, at Deaner Funeral Home, Berlin. Funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Rev. Robert Keplinger officiating. Military services by the Berlin Veterans Home will be at the church immediately following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 445, 419 Meadow St, Berlin, PA 15530 or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 Main St, Berlin, PA, 15530. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com