Charles "Chuck" Haupert

Charles Dale “Chuck” Haupert, 78, of Sartell, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 6th, surrounded by the love of his family.  His Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 19th at Church of St. Mary in Willmar with visitation starting at 9:00 am until the time of the service at the church.  The service can be viewed at https://www.ourlivingwater.org/chuckhaupert.html. Placement with Military Honors by American Legion Post #167 will be at St. Mary’s/Bethel Columbarium.  Funeral services are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cause that is meaningful to the donor.

Chuck was born June 14, 1948, in Herman, MN, the son of Aelred and Alice (Clark) Haupert. He was the 11th of 12 children and grew up in Herman where he attended school and graduated with the Class of 1966.

Following graduation, Chuck entered the United States Air Force in 1967.  He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and proudly served as a medic at the base hospital in Grand Forks, ND, before he was Honorably Discharged in 1971.

On June 26, 1971, he married the love of his life, Martha “Marty” Halbe, at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, MN.  Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and community, sharing in 55 years of marriage.

Chuck and Marty lived in Minneapolis where Chuck attended nursing school at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. He earned his Registered Nurse Degree and worked at Veteran’s Administration Hospital before completing the Abbott-Northwestern Anesthesia Program.

Their son, Matthew, was born December 29, 1975.  In March of 1976, the family moved to Pennock, MN, where Chuck joined Rice Memorial Hospital, providing anesthesia services in the surgery department.  Their daughter, Amy, was born May 10, 1977.  Matt and Amy attended Willmar Public Schools and remained a constant source of pride and joy throughout Chuck’s life.

Dedicated to helping others both professionally and personally, Chuck served as a member of Pennock Fire Department and First Responders.  He was elected to the Pennock City Council and later served as Mayor for five years.  He also contributed his leadership and vision as a member of the Regional Development Commission.

In December 1986, Chuck became a part of the team that opened the Willmar Surgery Center, where he continued practicing anesthesia until his retirement on July 6, 2012. Throughout his healthcare career, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients through his skill, compassion, and steady presence.

Faith played a central role in Chuck’s life. He and Marty were devoted members of Church of St. Mary, where Chuck served as Church Council President, usher, greeter, and member of Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the American Legion, serving as Commander and participating in the Honor Guard. Additional community involvement included serving as President of the local hockey association and member of the Eagle Lake Association Board.

While Chuck was proud of his military service, professional accomplishments, and community leadership, nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He loved spending time with Marty, his children and grandchildren, whether attending sporting events, sharing stories at the lake, hunting, fishing, golfing or simply enjoying time together. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren and took immense pride in their accomplishments. Chuck also cherished time spent with friends, especially around a card table or gathered for games, where laughter, good stories, and friendly banter were always in abundance.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marty; son, Matt (Lori_) Haupert; daughter, Amy (Saul) McBroom; grandchildren, Rece Haupert, Brooke Haupert, Cora McBroom, Dyson McBroom and Marin McBroom. Also surviving are his siblings: Darrell (Elfreide) Haupert, Rita (Ernie) Jutz, Arlon (Donna) Haupert, Lois (Bud) Anderson, Leonard (Cathy) Haupert, Rose (Tom) Atkinson, and Milton (Franchetta) Haupert, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aelred and Alice Haupert and four siblings.

To his family, Chuck’s greatest legacy was not the positions he held or the honors he received, but the example he set through his faith, humility, generosity, and unwavering love for those around him. Whether serving his country, caring for his patients, leading his community, supporting his church, or encouraging his family, Chuck’s life was defined by a simple commitment: helping others. His example will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

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