Charles "Chuck" Cooksley

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CHARLES "CHUCK" EDWARD COOKSLEY was the ninth of ten children born to Arthur and Wilhelmiene (Koll) Cooksley. He was born January 15, 1934 on the family farm near Hardwick, Minnesota. Chuck graduated from Edgerton Public High School in Edgerton, Minnesota. He met Sarah “Sally” Keay at the Gem Ballroom in Hardwick, Minnesota and the two were married on December 17, 1955 in Luverne, Minnesota. They were blessed with two daughters. The family moved to Olivia, Minnesota and then on to Clinton, Minnesota where Chuck worked at the local lumber yards. In 1966 they moved back to Luverne where he began working at AR Wood Manufacturing. Chuck then became employed by Terrace Park Dairy. He delivered dairy products door to door in town and out in the country, later delivering to local businesses around the area. Chuck died February 1, 2021, at the age of 87 years and 16 days, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from complications of COVID-19.

After retirement, Chuck and Sally enjoyed many summer fishing outings and annual trips to the North Shore during the fall. Chuck cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and made it to as many activities of theirs as he could. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne. Chuck and Sally enjoyed playing cards and cribbage during their daily “happy hour.” He was a true Minnesota sports fan and loved watching the Gophers, the Vikings and most of all the Twins.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 65 years, Sally of Luverne; daughters Dixie (Alan) Aanenson of Luverne and Tammy (Dave) Smeins of Luverne; seven grandchildren, Michael (Meghan) Aanenson, Rebecca (Tim) Banck, David (Brittany) Smeins, Dana (Josh) Klay, Dustin (Dawn) Smeins, Darcy (friend Garret Beaner) Smeins, and Diana (fiancee Nick Mark) Smeins; fifteen great grandchildren, Tucker, Anna, Brady, Zoey, Hailey, Jaiden, Annie Jo, Charlie, Cade, Ellie, Jase, Dawson, Oliver, Arthur, and Gracie; long time friend Charlie Carter; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Frank, Joseph, Richard, Robert, James and Danny; and three sisters, Mary Birkeland, Ruth Peterson, and Lois Van Hove.