Charles Sawatzky

Charles Sawatzky May 14, 1944 - October 14, 2009

Charles H. Sawatzky, age 65 of Faribault, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the District One Hospital in Faribault following a brief illness. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault, with Rev. Robert Snyder, officiating. Interment will be at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Faribault, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association. Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Charles Henry Sawatzky, the son of Gerhart Sr. and Elsie (Kalien) Sawatzky was born on May 14, 1944 in Faribault. He graduated from Faribault High School and later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Charles married Donna Lord on September 4, 1965 in Faribault. They had three children, Risa, Darren, and Gina and were later divorced. Charles worked as a sheet metal worker for 39 years with local union #10. He loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. He is survived by two children, Darren (Michele) Sawatzky of Faribault, and Gina (Kevin) Neuhaus of Medford; their mother, Donna Sawatzky of Faribault; four grandchildren, Jordan and Gavin Sawatzky, and Hunter and Madelyn Neuhaus; sister, Marge (Don) Finnesgard of Morristown; his girlfriend, Sheila Blacketer of Rochester; son-in-law, Jody Grund of Faribault; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Risa Grund; a son in infancy; parents, Gerhart Sr. and Elsie; sister, Shirley & Jerry Welch; and brother, Gerhart Sawatzky Jr.