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Charles E. Lehtola Obituary – 12/20/2017


Charles Ernest Lehtola, age 69, of Cokato, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at the St Cloud Hospital.

He was born Feb. 25, 1948, to Ernest and Beatrice (Leinonen) Lehtola, the second of four children.

Chuck attended Cokato School for his elementary years, and then transferred to Annandale School.

He married Sharon Elaine Sieg Jan. 7, 1967. Two sons were born to them, Donald Charles in 1967; and Brian Harvey in 1968.

The family resided in the town of Howard Lake until they purchased the Sieg farm, south of Cokato, in 1994.

Chuck worked at several business in Cokato prior to being hired at Mammoth Industries in Chaska in 1970. Mammoth closed their doors in 2000, and Chuck officially retired in 2002.

After retirement, Chuck enjoyed many mornings having coffee with the guys at Daniel’s Restaurant, and going to auctions. He also enjoyed spending time with Sharon at their cabin in Remer, where they made many good friends and spent many enjoyable summers and deer hunting seasons.

Chuck deeply loved his wife, sons, grandchildren, and extended family. At family get-togethers, he was quite the talker.

Chuck also had a soft spot for animals, and many four-legged “children” lived in their home over the years.

Chuck found enjoyment in reading his Bible and listening to country Gospel music in recent years. He was so proud of a large-print Bible gifted to him by his good friend, Ron. He also appreciated the support he received from speaking with his good friend, Pastor George.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons Donald, and Brian and Jen, his friend; ex-daughter-in-law Melanie; grandchildren Brianna, and Brandon; step-grandchildren Beau (Stephanie), Cameron (Valarie), and Shea (William); step-great-grandchildren Saylah, Judson, Eliana, Jadyn, Cesar, Charlie, Marie, Bane and Eva; siblings Randy and Jeannie; many nieces, nephews and their families; and many friends in the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Beatrice; an infant sister, Yvonne; grandparents Matt and Emma Lehtola, and Charles and Elvira Leinonen; father and mother-in-law, Harvey and Ruthie; sister-in-law Susan, and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services took place Thursday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment was Friday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery on Windy Lake in Smoky Hollow Township, nine miles east of Remer, with a short memorial service at graveside.

Arrangements were provided by the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.

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