Charles E. 'Chuck' Peterman
Charles “Chuck” Eugene Peterman, 71, of Elkader, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the Guttenberg Hospital. He was born June 27, 1949, on the family farm, rural Volga, to Forrest “Pete” and Mary Murray Peterman. He attended Central Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1967.
Chuck served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from May 7, 1969, to March 5, 1972. He was trained to be a Redeye Gunner, receiving a National Defense Service Medal and sharpshooter commendations.
Chuck was united in marriage to Shirley Kainz on June 13, 1970, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. One son, Shawn, was born to this union. Chuck’s career started out as a meat cutter at Wilke’s Grocery Store in Elkader, then he worked for Clayton County for a time, finally working at the local co-op in the fertilizer building and grain bins, which he retired from.
He was a member of the local American Legion and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Chuck was a friend to all and always willing to help whomever. We will miss his sense of humor—the way he told jokes, laughing and ruining the punch line!
He also enjoyed jumping around corners just to startle people. Chuck even got to pick up Shirley’s tossed salad because of this!
His family was his prize! He enjoyed camping with Shirley, Oliver tractors, motorcycles, traveling across the United States and tractor pulls. It seems one ride was especially memorable—returning home from a bike ride, running into fish flies that had just hatched. Just a plain stinkin’ mess—covered so much you could not see the color of anything and it was very slippery.
Chuck and his dad Pete restored Shirley’s dad’s 1930 Model A. Then Shawn and Chuck restored Grandpa Kainz’s 1920 Fordson. He was proud to purchase an Oliver 60 for grandson Oliver as his first tractor.
Chuck is survived by his wife Shirley; son Shawn (Cara) Peterman and grandson Oliver; his siblings, Tom (Kathy) Peterman, Cheryl Niedert and Jim (Lisa) Peterman; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mary Peterman.
A private family mass with be held with Rev. John Haugen as the celebrant.
Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Leonard Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
