Charles Arthur Schuette
Charles Arthur Schuette, age 85 of Winthrop died peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord.
Funeral service was held at 11 am on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Faith United Church in Winthrop. Pastor Merline Duering will officiate, and burial will follow in the Winthrop Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by the Winthrop Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, October 26th, and continue from 10-11 am on Friday all at Faith United Church in Winthrop.
The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.
To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Charles is survived by his daughter, Jaynne Sontiduro of Lubbock, Texas; his sons, Steven (Sirakan) Schuette of Winthrop, Lary (Sue Huelskamp Nelson) Schuette of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Bo Schuette, Valeena Sontiduro; his great-grandchildren, Ella and Noah Schuette; his brothers, Myron Schuette of Hutchinson, Allan Schuette of Alexandria; his sister, Vernett Niebuhr of Mankato; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Marlys in November of 2022.
Charles Arthur Schuette was born December 19, 1937, in Winthrop to Elmer and Anna (Meyer) Schuette. He attended grade school at Bismark Township of Sibley County Country School and Winthrop High School through 8th grade, then went to work on his family farm and Uncle George Schuette’s farm. Charles participated in saddle club and played in a local polka band in young adulthood. Later in life Charles completed his GED. He proudly served his country from 1956-1957 in the United States Army and National Guard. He really enjoyed his time spent in Germany while serving. Charles was united in marriage to Marlys Woods on August 14, 1959, at the Lafayette Methodist Church and were married for 63 years. This union blessed the couple with a daughter and two sons whom together they raised in Winthrop. Charles worked a dedicated 42-year career with the Sibley County Highway Department as CAT Caterpillar (grader) operator. He never officially retired from work, because even in his retirement, Charles continued to drive truck for Bartels Trucking and Wakefield Pork Inc. He loved his fall weekend road trips to Montana. When he wasn’t working, there were a variety of hobbies he enjoyed in life. As a hard-working, provider there wasn’t much in life that Charles couldn’t do, or fix. He enjoyed working with his hands, and especially enjoyed spending time in his woodshop creating detailed purple martin bird houses and creative projects with oak. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He also enjoyed all pet dogs and raccoons, gardening, playing cards, camping, traveling to many states, classic country music, German polka music and dances, and was a history buff. To give back to his community, Charles served on the Winthrop Fire Department for 33 years and also served Meals on Wheels to those in need. Charles was always willing to drive numerous friends to and from medical appointments. He was a long-time member of Faith United Church, serving 48 of those years on the Board of Trustees. Charles will be remembered for his friendly demeanor and wit, and his incredible work ethic, but what he was most proud of was the family he helped raise, and the fact he was known as an amazing grandpa. These memories and countless others will forever stay in the minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him in their life. Blessed be those memories.
