Charles L. Sanford

St. Charles, MN Charles "Chuck" L. Sanford, 77, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at the Golden Living Center in St. Charles, MN surrounded by his family. Chuck was born February 11, 1932, in Strool, SD, to Fred and Viola (Tegard) Sanford. They later moved to Chatfield, MN where Chuck went to school. He worked as a roofer in Waco, TX, until he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and obtained the rank of Corporal. Chuck married Winnifred Judith Maricle on September 3, 1955, in Stewartville, MN. They lived and raised their son in Fountain, MN, where they managed a bar. In 1957 they moved to Wycoff, MN, to raise their daughter. In 1958 they moved to the St. Charles area and lived there until Chuck retired in 1994 from Road Constructions in Rochester. Chuck was a lifetime member of the VFW, member and elder of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, mowed lawn for the church, dug graves at the Saratoga Cemetery and farmed in Saratoga. After retirement, Chuck and Winnie wintered in Globe, AZ. His favorite pastime was to tinker and build things in the garage. Many Saturday nights you could find him and his beloved wife dancing the night away. Winnie preceded him in death on May 23, 2008. Chuck loved life but dearly missed his soul mate. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life.Survivors include his daughter, Dianne Vincent of St. Charles, MN; grandchildren, Lesa Finley, Steve Finley, Jessica (Brian) Brouwer, Pfc. Justin Vincent; great grandchildren, Devin Pearson, Tayton Brouwer, Taylynn (Sweet Pea) Brouwer and Gracyn Sorenson; and four sisters, Mildred McLeod, Lela Schnieder, Venetta Copeland and JoAnne Fessenden. He was preceded in death by his parents, step father, wife, Winnie, son Butch Finley, and two sisters, Pat Blunt and Charlotte Rodgers.
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