By Jim Bartelt

Our good friend and SWTU Chapter member has lost his long battle with cancer.

Chuck was a contributor to many of our chapter fundraisers. He handled Icebreaker tickets, monthly meeting raffle tickets, door prizes, built beautiful log cabin bird houses for raffles and even played his guitar and sang for us on occasion.

He was an accomplished musician and was the lead singer for two different trios that played local clubs and venues. For many years he played at the Harmony Bar’s Jimmy Buffett night which was a fund raiser for the Goodman Community Center.

He was an excellent carpenter and wood worker. Besides bird houses he turned bowls. Many beautiful pieces were created in his wood shop. From Leopold benches to bookshelves to many other items. He was an artist with wood.

On a more personal note, myself and many others in our chapter enjoyed many fly fishing adventures with Chuck. From the boundary waters, to the Hudson Bay, to Alaska and Argentina. From Belize and many Western Unites States rivers we shared some great adventures. And of course, the Driftless. Yes, Chuck always brought along a guitar. I have probably heard him sing around a campfire as much as in a club. He was always willing to share his music, his art and his dry sense of humor.

He has been my friend for over 60 years. He will be missed by many.

(Pictured is Chuck holding his guitar, surrounded by friends, on one of their many adventures. A link to Chuck’s obituary.)