Charles D. Feikema

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CHARLES "CHUCK" DUANE FEIKEMA was born on May 28, 1950 to Clarence and Ann (Van Velzen) Feikema in Luverne, Minnesota. He was baptized and professed his faith at the Luverne Christian Reformed Church. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Luverne. He attended Edgerton Christian grade school and Southwest Christian High School in nearby Edgerton, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1968. Many school days were spent drawing plans to build cattle yards and expand the family farming operation. He enjoyed playing softball in his teen years and early adulthood. Following his graduation, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air National Guard Reserves where he served until 1975. He also began farming with his father and his brother, Robert.

Through friends at softball games Chuck was introduced to Charlene Wynia. On July 21, 1978 he married the love of his life, Char, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The couple made their home on the farm place. Chuck was fortunate enough to be raised on the same farm he lived and worked his entire life. It was the place where he and Char raised their boys and biggest blessings, Shawn, Michael and Ross, and many years later, the place they would see their grandchildren play. Chuck was passionate about farming and being a steward to the land and his animals. He had compassion for all animals including his cattle, horses, cats and dogs. Chuck was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in March of 2011 but continued to remain active on the farm until January of 2019, when he became a resident of Bethany Meadows in Brandon, South Dakota. On Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Chuck died peacefully at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, South Dakota at the age of 70 years, six months and four days.

Chuck was a lifelong member of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon, elder and on various committees over the years. He was a Rock Nobles Cattlemen’s Association member and served as their local president. He was president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association in 2005 and 2006. Chuck was honored as the State Cattleman of the Year in December of 2013. Additionally, he served on the Minnwest Bank Board of Directors and the Rock County Coop Oil Board.

Chuck’s love of horses took him to many team penning competitions around the area. He also loved camping with family, attending the National Cattlemen’s Association Convention every year and participating on various committees in the organization. He was a strong Christian man, devoted to his church and his family. He lived the values and the faith that he held. He was decisive and had a strong work ethic. He took pride in his work and great pride in his family. Chuck’s grandchildren were very important to him and it gave him joy to be able to influence their lives while they were around each other on the farm. His legacy and love for the land will live on in his family.

Chuck is lovingly remembered by his wife, Char Feikema of Luverne; children, Shawn (Becky) Feikema of Luverne, Michael (Staci) Feikema of Luverne and Ross (Lisa) Feikema of Sioux Center, Iowa; six grandchildren, Cathryn, Jackie, Madalynn, Jenna, Ella and Sabine; siblings, John (Linda) Feikema of Orange City, Iowa, Robert (Arla) Feikema of Luverne and Ronald Feikema of Luverne; mother-in-law, Arlene Wynia of Luverne; and many nieces, nephews, friends and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law, Melvin Wynia.

Memorials preferred to Luverne Christian School Society or the Luverne Christian Reformed Church.