On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, Chuck Waknitz, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away at 81.
Chuck was born on June 1, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charles and Eileen (Magel) Waknitz. After graduating from trade school in 1959, he built his passion as owner of one of the best-known and well-respected outdoor amusement/carnival businesses.
In 1976 he married the love of his life Kris (Iveland) Waknitz. Together they raised a family and operated Chuck’s Amusements. He was selfless, kind, hardworking, loving, fair, honest, and always thought of as a nice guy. He loved his family fiercely and enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren.
Chuck and Kris shaped many young lives through their carnival business and taught them the meaning of hard work and fix-it skills. With a few simple tools, consisting of an IB tester, multi-end screwdriver, pliers, channel lock, and a roll of electrical tape, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or repair.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Eileen Waknitz, mother-in-law Betty (Carl) Nath, and son Sam.
He is survived by his wife, Kris; son Tom (Michelle) Waknitz, daughter Tami (Michael) Smits and adopted daughter Autumn (Mark) Krueger; sister Carol (Jim) Parlow; and brother Jim Waknitz; grandsons Cazwel (Molly) Waknitz, Tanner and Wyatt Smits and granddaughters Lilli (Mike) Marquez, Savannah Krueger, Grace Lenich, and Ruby Lenich; and eight great-grandchildren. Great comfort is felt that Dad has been reunited with his son Sam in heaven.
Appreciation and remembrance will be scheduled during the carnival season (this summer).
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