Charles Blocher

Charles Edward Blocher, son of Daniel and Pearl (Satter) Blocher, was born May 25, 1928 in Morris, Minnesota, where he grew up. Chuck was baptized on July 22, 1928 by Reverend N.O. Peterson and Confirmed on June 13, 1943 by Reverend E.S. Ede at First Lutheran Church in Morris. He attended school in Morris and graduated from Morris High School in 1946. While still in school, Chuck had a paper route and also worked at Juergensen's IGA. Following graduation, he worked for People's Dairy, Citizens Bank and Juergensen's Super Valu. On February 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Irene Bye at First Lutheran Church in Morris by Reverend Lowell Larson. The couple made their home in Morris. Chuck enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and served until 1953, when he received an honorable discharge. Following his discharge from the Army, Chuck went back to work for Juergensen's Super Valu until 1971, when he went to work at Pete's Super Valu in Alexandria. Chuck and Irene moved to Starbuck in 1972, where they have made their home since that time. From 1972 to 2000, Chuck owned Chuck's Super Market in Starbuck and from 1982 to 1989 he also owned the Kensington Super Market.



Chuck was a very active member on various boards in Starbuck: the Lions Club, the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Corporation, the Fire Department, the Ambulance Crew and was a Pope County Flyers member. Charles enjoyed fishing, water skiing, tennis, baseball, football games and telling a good joke. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.



Chuck died on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, having lived to reach the age of 78 years.



He is survived by his wife: Irene Blocher of Starbuck; five children: Susan (Rick) Frass of Starbuck, Janet (Robert) Asmus of Morris, Diane (Brian) Lloyd of Kensington, Jon (Nan) Blocher of Starbuck and Meri (Gary) Danielson of Cottage Grove; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Rudolph and Ellen Bye and brother-in-laws: Walter Greiner, Raymond Bye and Gordon Bye.



Pallbearers for the service are Chuck's grandsons: Jason Asmus, Andrew Koloski, Jeffrey Frass, Adam Asmus, Jamie Frass and Jarrod Asmus. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck's granddaughters: Jackie Wente, Sarah Zastrow, Katie Koloski and Amanda Danielson. Monica Gosseling will serve as organist for the service with Joy Smith serving as soloist. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.