Charles "Chuck" Edward Lehnertz

Charles “Chuck” Edward Lehnertz, 80, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Winona at Sugarloaf Senior Living, where he lived since May 2024.

Chuck was born on November 26, 1943, to Edmund and Leona Lehnertz, and grew up in Rollingstone, Minnesota. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School and married the love of his life, Rita Radel, on April 3, 1965, with whom he enjoyed 52 years of marriage. As a young man, Chuck worked for Hubbard Turkey Plant as a truck driver, where he met several life-long friends, for the Altura Hardware Store, and was a milk truck driver for Wittenberg and Kreidermacher Brothers. He later became a dairy farmer for about 15 years. Chuck was a proud father, who along with his wife, instilled in their three daughters a strong work ethic, confidence in doing things yourself, and an unwavering commitment to family. After leaving the farm, the family moved to Winona and Chuck worked for Lewiston Feed and Produce as a truck driver and then at UBC’s Corporate Office in Winona as a facilities engineer before retiring. Chuck enjoyed deer hunting with his nephew, Roger, doing home renovations for his three daughters, refinishing furniture, listening to country music, and working in his shop in the garage. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a talented craftsman, and a soft-spoken man with an easy smile.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; parents, Edmund and Leona; brothers, Edward, Eugene, Francis, and Jerry; and sister, Annabel Plein.

Chuck is survived by three daughters, Tami (Ondrej) Lubinski, Tracy Lehnertz, and Tiffany Lehnertz; two very special grandsons, Andrew and Austin (Anna) Lubinski; sisters, Cathy Lewis (Bob) and Rosemary Speltz.

Visitation will occur at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 9:30-11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. and luncheon. Chuck will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery on Oak Ridge in a private family service following the luncheon.