Charles "Chuck" Alan Wattnem

Charles Alan “Chuck” Wattnem, 74, of Willmar, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at his home.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar and will be streamed on the church's YouTube page. Interment will be at Tripolis Lutheran Cemetery near Kandiyohi. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to Vinje Lutheran Church for the choir or to the CentraCare Foundation for Willmar Rehabilitation Services.

Charles Alan “Chuck” Wattnem was born on September 20, 1950, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Clarence and Phyllis (Crevier) Wattnem. He grew up in Hettinger, North Dakota, where he attended elementary school before moving with his family to Wells, Minnesota. Chuck graduated from Wells-Easton High School in 1968 and went on to study accounting at the Minnesota School of Business and the University of Minnesota-Morris.

While attending a dance in Pine City, Chuck met Linda Zaudtke. The couple married on February 17, 1973, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kroschel, Minnesota. Together, they had two children: Matthew and Jennifer. They lived in Little Canada briefly before moving to Montevideo in 1975. Chuck worked as an accountant for Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association, and later in school finance. After retiring in 2015, Chuck and Linda moved to Willmar. In retirement, Chuck found joy in driving a bus for special education students and enjoying morning coffee with his fellow drivers.

Chuck was a dedicated member of Vinje Lutheran Church, where he sang in the church choir and attended Men's Bible Study. He was also a former member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo and a singer with the Fiesta City Barbershop Choir. In his spare time, Chuck enjoyed dancing, water skiing, downhill skiing, and deer hunting, particularly at his in-laws’ property near Hinckley, as well as on his son’s land near Atwater. He cherished his canoeing trips, especially on the Chippewa River with Linda, on Foot Lake with his grandchildren, and in the Boundary Waters on trips with his son and brother. Chuck also enjoyed traveling, with memorable trips to Arizona and Medora, ND with friends, as well as a recent journey to Helena, MT, where he visited family along the way.

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Chuck remained determined to stay active, maintaining his daily walks and exercises to help manage his condition and keep his body strong.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; his children, Matthew (Jennifer) Wattnem of Atwater and Jennifer Vega of Lake Elmo; and his four grandchildren, Lilly and Knolan Wattnem, and Marco and Maria Duronio. He is also survived by his brother, Steve (Karen) Wattnem of Big Lake; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and two aunts. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents.

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