Charles Gritzner

CHARLES GRITZNER

Manchester

Charles William "Chuck" Gritzner, 70, of Manchester, died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, at the Methodist Hospital, Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn.

He was born Dec. 8, 1943, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of William Howard and Dorothy Mae (Green) Gritzner. Chuck graduated from Spring Valley, Minn., High School and received his bachelor's degree at Winona State. On Oct. 16, 1965, Chuck was united in marriage to Helen Mae Buhler at Pine Island, Minn. Three children were born to this union.

Together they lived in Winona until 1969, when they moved to Manchester to join his father and uncle at their business, Baumgartner Gate Factory. Chuck remained active in the business with his son, Dan, until his death.

Chuck was a member of the Jaycees, 4-H, Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, Trout Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation. He also served on the Manchester City Council.

Family was most important in his life. Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin in the north woods of Wisconsin and Bear Creek Farm.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Gritzner of Manchester; three children, Dan (Joan Wessels) Gritzner of Manchester, Amy (Gary) Alfrey of Waterloo and Ann Gritzner of Elkader; five grandchildren, Courtney, Morgan and Jake Gritzner and Jenny and Kayla Alfrey; one brother, James (Zoe) Gritzner of West Des Moines; many special brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, John and Marie Buhler; and his brother-in-law, Neil Blohm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Chuck's name.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard- mullerfh.com.

Visitation: The Gritzner family will receive friends at Chuck's home, 1014 Doctor St., Manchester, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home & Crematory in Manchester is assisting the Gritzner family.