Charles D. “Chuck” Feikema, 70, Luverne, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, South Dakota.
A funeral service was Monday, Dec. 7, at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Charles Duane Feikema was born on May 28, 1950, to Clarence and Ann (Van Velzen) Feikema in Luverne. He was baptized and professed his faith at the Luverne Christian Reformed Church. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Luverne. He attended Edgerton Christian grade school and Southwest Christian High School in nearby Edgerton, graduating with the class of 1968. Following his graduation, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air National Guard Reserves where he served until 1975. He also began farming with his father and his brother, Robert.
On July 21, 1978, he married Charlene Wynia at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. The couple made their home on the family farm where Chuck was raised and where he lived and worked his entire life. Chuck was passionate about farming and being a steward to the land and his animals.
Chuck was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in March of 2011 but continued to remain active on the farm until January of 2019, when he became a resident of Bethany Meadows in Brandon, South Dakota.
Chuck was a lifelong member of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon, elder and on various committees over the years. He was a Rock Nobles Cattlemen’s Association member and served as their local president. He was president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association in 2005 and 2006. Chuck was honored as the State Cattleman of the Year in December of 2013. Additionally, he served on the Minnwest Bank Board of Directors and the Rock County Co-op Oil Board.
Chuck’s love of horses took him to many team penning competitions around the area. He also loved camping with family, attending the National Cattlemen’s Association Convention every year and participating on various committees in the organization. He was a strong Christian man, devoted to his church and his family. Chuck’s grandchildren were very important to him and it gave him joy to be able to influence their lives while they were around each other on the farm.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Char Feikema of Luverne; his children, Shawn (Becky) Feikema of Luverne, Michael (Staci) Feikema of Luverne and Ross (Lisa) Feikema of Sioux Center, Iowa; six grandchildren, Cathryn, Jackie, Madalynn, Jenna, Ella and Sabine; siblings John (Linda) Feikema of Orange City, Iowa, Robert (Arla) Feikema of Luverne and Ronald Feikema of Luverne; mother-in-law Arlene Wynia of Luverne; and many nieces, nephews, friends and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Melvin Wynia.
Memorials are preferred to Luverne Christian School Society or the Luverne Christian Reformed Church.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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