Charles Edward Welsch, age 83, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at Homestead Hospice House.

He was born No. 4, 1921, in Postville, Iowa, the son of John and Mabel (Pixler) Welsch. Chuck grew up in Albert Lea graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1940. Chuck worked for Josten’s from 1940 until retiring in 1986 with only a short break to serve in the U.S. Army. On June 21, 1946 Charles married Wanda A. Herget at the St. John Lutheran Church Parsonage in Owatonna.

He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and was instrumental in the construction of the new

church building in the late 1950s. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion and the Kiwanis Golden K.Chuck volunteered many hours at the Clothes Line.

Chuck’s hobbies included traveling in his motor home, collecting coins and stamps, hunting and fishing. Chuck loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Welsch; son, Dennis (Zenida) Welsch of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughters: Deberah (Donald) Tommet of Dallas, Texas, and Wendy (Wayne) Bogatzki of Lakeville; brother, Jack H. (Flo) Welsch of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Marjorie Brown of Orlando, Fla.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m., and on Monday at St. John Lutheran Church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The Rev. Dennis Pettyjohn will officiate. Burial will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are preferred to Healthy Seniors, Homestead Hospice or the donor’s choice.