Charles Belau

CHARLES 'CHUCK' BELAU was born to Arnold and Clara (Swanson) Belau on June 3, 1927 in the hospital in Garretson, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm located along Devil's Gulch, outside of Garretson, South Dakota. A few years later, he moved with his family to a farm in Rock County, Minnesota, where he started country school. Later he moved with his family to Eden Township of Pipestone County, northwest of Jasper, Minnesota, and he attended country school there. He continued his education at the high school in Pipestone, Minnesota. When he was in high school, he worked with a corn sheller. After his graduation in 1945, he continued to work as a corn sheller and he farmed in partnership with his father. While he was enjoying a Rural Youth square dance at Harmon Park, he met Lucille Anderson from Verdi, Minnesota. On January 4, 1951, they were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Pipestone. Following their marriage, they lived on a farm in Eden Township, west of Jasper, Minnesota, for 11 years. They then moved to a farm four miles west of Jasper, by the South Dakota state line. During these years, he worked for the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic and the Pipestone Sales Barn. Eleven years later, they moved to their current farm in Elmer Township; and Chuck still enjoyed his role as a farmer. On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, he was admitted to the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne, Minnesota where he died on Monday, March 14, 2011, at the age of 83 years, nine months, and 11 days.

Chuck was a member of the Jasper United Methodist Church for almost 50 years. For many years, he served on the board of directors at the Jasper Elevator. He also served on the board for Sweet Township Mutual Insurance and the Pipestone County Fair. He enjoyed bowling, and he looked forward to coffee time with his buddies in Pipestone and Jasper as they tried to solve all the world problems and had a good game a cards. Chuck was a friendly, caring, jolly man. He had a sense of humor and shared it. His work ethics put business first, teaching his children to finish what they start -- not just telling them but working with them.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Lucille Belau of rural Pipestone, Minnesota; one daughter, Mary Gehrke of Luverne, Minnesota; one son, Bob Belau and his wife Brigitt of Brookings, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Clint (Nikki) Gehrke, Cody Gehrke, Nikki Belau, Rachael Belau, and Katherine Belau; and two great-grandchildren, Carter Gehrke and Madison Gehrke. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Shirley Demaray.

A tree will be dedicated by the Sanford Luverne Hospice in memory of Chuck. Blessed be his memory.