Charles A. Peterka, 92, St. Cloud

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.