Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Charles A. Peterka

November 8, 1923 – April 1, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Charles A. Peterka, age 92 of St. Cloud will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 11, 2016 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Chuck passed away peacefully at the St. Cloud Department of Veteran Affairs Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 1, 2016. Reverend David Grundman will be the celebrant. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls at 3:00 p.m.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Arrangements were made by Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Chuck was born on November 8, 1923 in Aurora, Minnesota to John and Mary (Perna) Peterka. He was very proud of his Slovenian heritage. Chuck graduated from Aurora High School in June of 1941. Chuck was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII serving honorably in the South Pacific.

After the war, Chuck graduated from the University of Minnesota and taught agriculture at Kelliher and Pierz. While at Pierz, he coached basketball and served as athletic director. He received his Master’s degree from St. Cloud University and was a guidance counselor and work experience coordinator for the St. Cloud School District #742 for a combined 30 years.

On August 5, 1950 he married the love of his life, Dorothy Kelley, in Little Falls, Minnesota. Together they raised eight beautiful children in Pierz and St. Cloud. Chuck was a member of St. Michael’s Parish, the WWII group at the VA Hospital, Waite Park American Legion Silver Star Post #428 and a life member of the St. Cloud Veterans of Foreign Wars Granite Post #428, past member of the St. Cloud Eagles Aerie #622 and Moose Lodge #1400. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In his younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Besides being a teacher/counselor he also owned a fertilizer business working with farmers for over 34 years. Chuck worked very hard and provided a wonderful life for his wife and children. His wife and his family were everything to him. He loved to garden, golf, bowl and play cards. Chuck and Dorothy also spent many enjoyable summers with family at Breezy Point and later traveling extensively in and out of the country.

Chuck is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Dorothy; children, Charlie (Candace) of Little Falls, Thomas (Christel) of St. Cloud, Stephen (Pam) of St. Cloud, Mary (Thomas) Hanson of Carver, Daniel (Sue) of St. Cloud, Sarah (John) Peckskamp of Sauk Rapids, Carol (KeithaGail) of Crystal, John (Melanie) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; 17 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one on the way; brother, Ed (Jean) Galesberg, Illinois; sister, Gabriella (John) Goritchen of Aurora; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Phillip, Martin and John; sisters, Anne, Mary, Christine and Margie; and granddaughter, Donna Peterka.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the St. Cloud Department of Veteran Affairs Hospital building 51.1 for the love and care shown to Chuck while in their care.


Guestbook

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Sending sincere sympathy from the Foy Family for your loss. We have many fond memories of Chuck cheering on the girls bb team @ Apollo a very special friendship endured with that group & know our mom/dad shared many good times together! We are thinking of you all and raise a toast to “mr peterka” thanks for being you! Hope you are all finding comfort in memories, stories,& love!- The Foy’s

sarah
it has been years but I will never forget the time we spent together in high school. my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May time help heal the emptiness in your heart!

Dorothy, Carol and family,
Sending condolences on Chuck’s passing. I remember fondly the opportunity I had to speak with and about Carol when she was doing the Olympic team handball thing. I could hear the pride coming through when I interviewed Dorothy and Chuck about that. I hope you can find solace in ALL the memories you’ve had as a family. Take care.

Dear Steve and Pam and your entire “Peterka” Family. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time and that we pray that the memories of your Dad will ease your burden of grief. May you know that his legacy lives on through your entire family and that his spirit is within all of you. He has become your Guardian Angel and will watch over you all from Heaven. May your pain lesson with time and your strength come from family and may your hearts heal.

Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, let me know please.

Services

Schedule Details

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Charles A. Peterka, age 92 of St. Cloud will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 11, 2016 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Chuck passed away peacefully at the St. Cloud Department of Veteran Affairs Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 1, 2016. Reverend David Grundman will be the celebrant. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls at 3:00 p.m.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Arrangements were made by Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.