SWEHLA, Charles James 1935-1999

RUDE, SWEHLA, MASKE, PAVLOVEC, KRALL, HALVERSON, ROCKSVOLD

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/23/2010 at 19:21:13

Decorah Public Opinion, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1999

Charles "Chuck" James Swehla

Charles James Swehla, 64, died quietly at his home in Protivin Friday, Sept. 17, 1999.

Funeral services will be held at the Saude Lutheran church, west of Protivin, Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Kent Dethlefson officiating.

Casket bearers will be Craig Rocksvold, Peter Rocksvold, Kersten Rocksvold, Randall Halverson, Chris Gosenberg and Dan Mouchka.

Mrs. Dethlefson will be the organist, with Sue English the soloist.

Visitation will take place at the church one hour before services.

Burial will be at the church cemetery. The Balik Funeral Home in Spillville is handling arrangements.

Charles was born Aug. 4, 1935, in Winona, Minn., the son of Joseph F. and Selma (Rude) Swehla. He attended school in Spillville and graduated from Calmar High School in 1953.

Chuck was in the United States Navy from 1953-57, then returned to work in Cedar Rapids.

On June 11, 1988, he was married to Dora Maske in Cedar Rapids. They moved to Protivin the same year. Two years ago, Chuck retired from Featherlite Trailers in Cresco.

He enjoyed his family and took great joy in reconnecting with his relatives. Animals easily won his heart, so he rescued numerous dogs and cats.

Chuck's hobby was collecting. He was operating an antique shop in Protivin.

He was a member of AA for over 20 years, counseling many who needed assistance.

Remembrance of his dry wit should bring a smile to the faces of many in years to come.

Survivors include his wife, Dora; son John of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and three sisters, Clara Swehla and Idella (Joe) Pavlovec of Decorah, and Delores (Bart) Krall of Calmar.

Stepchildren are Chris (Uthana) Gosenberg and Dorine (Dan) Mouchka. Step-grandchildren are Daniel Gosenberg and Aaron Mouchka.

Nieces and nephews are Gaylon, Randall and Robert Halverson and Jeanne Kummrow; Kersten, Edsel, Peter and Craig Rocksvold; Janelle Pavlovec and Becky Fenger; Gaylon and Harlen Swehla; Harvey Swehla and Linda Kimball; Robert and David Swehla. and Victor Krall.

Eugene Novak of Austin, Minn., is a cousin and special friend.

Chuck Swehla was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joseph W. Swehla (1986), Richard Swehla (1980) and Robert F. Swehla (1964); sisters Louise (Leonard) Halverson (1999) and Emma (Russell) Rocksvold (1984); nephew Russ Halverson; and nieces Colleen Halverson and Debbie Krall.

Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer from obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa.