Charles J Osterholt

Charles J. Osterholt Jr. 98, passed away on July 11, 2024 with his loving family at his bed side. Charles was born in Louisville, KY, on April 1, 1926. He attended 12 years of Catholic schools, graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1944. While in school, Charles studied piano and organ with local teachers which enabled him to play in several churches in Louisville. Upon graduation from St. Xavier, Charles enlisted in the US Navy and was sent to Naval Station Great Lakes for basic training. He was then sent to Pearl Harbor where he did administrative work as a Yeoman Second Class. After discharge from the Navy, Charles enrolled at the University of Louisville as chemistry major, later receiving a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Bio-Chemistry. At the University, Charles was a founding member and President of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, and was Vice-President of the Student Council. Upon graduation, he moved to Gainesville, Florida to accept a job in cancer research at the University of Florida. While working in research, he earned a degree in Pharmacy. While there, he studied organ with Dr. Claude Murphee, and choral directing with the University music department. After taking the Pharmacy Boards in Kentucky and Florida, he opened the first of three Rexall Drug stores with his pharmacist father at Boulevard Drugs in Madeira Beach. He later opened Allendale Drugs and Pasadena Drugs in St. Petersburg. While practicing pharmacy, Charles became a charter member of St. Raphael’s Church. While there, he organized a choir of men and boys, which later became a mixed choir. After eight years, he moved to Our Savior Lutheran Church where he was organist and choirmaster for the next fifteen years. Charles played organ in many other churches in St Petersburg, including First Presbyterian and First Methodist. Having worked for fifty years, he retired at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah, daughter Kathryn Werhner (Frank), son Charles III (Linda), brother David (Judy) and niece Jennifer Mitchell (Ed) and their son Matthew. In honor of Charles’ tremendous love for dogs, please consider a contribution to a shelter, rescue or other animal related charitable organization. Funeral arrangements by Anderson McQueen with entombment at Cavalry Catholic Cemetery.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Raphael Catholic Church, on Friday July 19th, at 10:30am. Interment will follow, at Calvary Catholic Cemetary.