Charles Donald Granlund

Known for his kindness, quirky humor, and positive outlook, Charles touched the lives of all who knew him. Born on February 9, 1937, Chuck was a cherished son of Elizabeth and Clifford Granlund. He grew up on the east side of St. Paul, attending Smith School, Mechanic Arts, Harding High School, the University of Minnesota, and Brown Institute. Chuck proudly served in the Minnesota Army National Guard, answering the call to active duty during the Cold War.

In 1966, he married Cheryl Amren, and together had 3 daughters; Renae (Michael) Jensen, Woodbury, MN; Rachelle (Scott) Wakefield, Duluth, MN; Alycia (Jim) Kirkevold, Hudson, WI. For over 40 years, Chuck built a loving home in Gem Lake, MN, where he welcomed family and friends with open arms.

Throughout his career, Chuck wore many hats: working on his family’s chicken farm, running a robust paperboy route, managing a meat locker, opening Midwest convenience stores, and managing warranty claims for several auto dealers. He served as a volunteer DNR hunter safety instructor for over 25 years, sharing his passion for firearms, the outdoors, and hunting with young people for two generations. He contributed his problem-solving and analytical skills as a computer programmer/data analyst for the State of MN from 1973 until he retired in 1999.

He is survived by his daughters, seven grandchildren, Mitchell and Elizabeth Jensen, Dustin, Caden and Anders Wakefield, and Joseph and Jackson Kirkevold; one great-granddaughter, Skadi Wakefield; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Elizabeth Granlund; brothers, Cliff, Jack, and Lyle; his partner, Cheryl Granlund; dear friends, Henry Latour, Gene Fuchs, and Bob Ryan, and many beloved four-legged friends, including Maudie, Sabrina, Polly, Blackie, and Bean.

Chuck’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love for animals will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a local animal shelter, honoring his lifelong compassion for all creatures. Special thanks to the staff at Norris Square, Croixdale, and Optage Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care of Chuck.

A visitation will be held on October 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Woodbury, located at 9925 Bailey Rd, Woodbury, MN 55129.

The funeral service will follow at 10:00 am at the same location.

A committal service is scheduled for 1:00 pm at Union Cemetery, 2505 Minnehaha Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55119.