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MANKATO - Charles V. Townsend, age 81, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at his home in Mankato, Minn., surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church, 320 E. Main Street, Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before service at church on Friday. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to ISJ Hospice or an organization of the donor's choice.

Charles was born October 30, 1929 to Joseph V. and Mabel F. (Johnson) Townsend in Minneapolis, Minn.. He graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1947 and then attended the University of Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Gretchen A. Schemel on August 1, 1951 at Wooddale Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. Chuck served his country with the U.S. Army from 1951-53, in the signal core stationed in Italy. He was employed by Powers Dry Goods in Minneapolis before moving to Mankato in 1961. Chuck was employed by Brett's Department Store in Mankato and retired in February of 1990 as treasurer. Chuck and Gretchen moved to Big Thunder Lake, near Remer, Minn., in 1994, where they enjoyed 11 years of good times with their family and the many new friends they made. They returned to Mankato in 2005. Chuck was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato Golf Club, and the Caledonia Curling Club. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, curling, playing cards, and following sports.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gretchen of Mankato; three daughters, Susan (Michael) Andrews of Palm Springs, Katie (Charley) Stewart of St. Paul, Nancy Webb (Denny Anspach) of Edina; four grandchildren, Emily and Charley Stewart, David and Michael Webb; brother, Joey Townsend of Chanhassen; brother-in-law, Jim Thorp of Edina; sister-in-law, Lyla Schemel of St. Louis Park; many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Ann Thorp; and brother-in-law, Jim Schemel.[[In-content Ad]]

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