Charles "Chuck" W. Sportel, age 80, of Blomkest, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at his son’s residence in Hayward, WI. After a brief illness and cancer diagnosis, he provided his family with one last run of colorful memories.

Charles Wayne Sportel was born on the family farm on June 8, 1944, in Raymond, MN, the son of Dick and Margaret “Grace” (Bestge) Sportel. He was raised in rural Raymond, MN. Chuck attended Sunnyside Country School and Raymond schools, graduating from Raymond high school in 1962. He worked primarily as a feed mill operator in Blomkest, Willmar and Prinsburg, MN throughout his career. On April 22, 1972, Charles was joined in marriage to Annette Kosel in Sanborn, MN. Together, they settled in Roseland, MN where they raised their family. After his retirement, Chuck drove van for Renville County West school district. Chuck spent the majority of his life living within a couple of miles of his birthplace, never wanting to leave the beauty and bounty of the agricultural area. He even commented at one time while visiting Montana that the mountains were nice, “but they make me claustrophobic when I can’t see the horizon”.

Work and raising a family didn’t always leave much time for other pastimes but Chuck enjoyed fishing (look out sunfish!!), furniture restoration (that chair wiggled before I worked on it), and going to auctions (maybe came home with some things he didn’t need but at a good price). But where Chuck really excelled was being a Grandpa, a role he fully embraced; one can only know that raising two boys leaves one wanting a daughter, which he finally got as a granddaughter. The majority of his life he was a man of few words, but his sense of humor and personality came to shine with his grandkids, sharing many a saying and inside joke. He was also a member of Roseland Reformed Church, having served as a deacon and current groundskeeper of the cemetery.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 52 years, Annette, two sons, Ryan (Amy) Sportel of Hayward, WI, Ross Sportel of Renville, MN; two grandchildren, Sullivan and Finley Sportel; two sisters, Carol (Roger) Reigstad of Willmar, MN, Connie (Melvin) Bourne of Bloomington, MN; sister-in-law, Elaine Sportel of Roseland, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Sportel and an infant sister.

A visitation will be held at Roseland Reformed Church on Wednesday, June 19th from 5-7pm. A memorial service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Roseland church with visitation one hour prior to service.;

Last Update: Jun 19, 2024 2:38 pm CDT