Charles ‘Chuck/Charlie’ Casler, age 59 of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born on May 24, 1964 in Rochester, Minnesota and was raised in River Falls, where he attended Westside Elementary school prior to graduating from River Falls High School with the class of ‘82. He created many close friendships during those years which remain strong even today. He earned his bachelor degree in journalism and social science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He often joked about how he “crammed four years of school into eight!”

In 1990, he was married to Julie Matzek at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ellsworth. This union would be further blessed with two children, Samantha and Jamie.  He was a devoted father and passed on many of his beloved interests.

For the past twenty plus years, you have been welcomed by his smile at the Family Dollar Store in Ellsworth, where he served as store manager.

Chuck embraced the simple pleasures of life. His warm interactions with co-workers, customers, and even strangers created many friendships over the years. He looked forward every spring to planting his vegetable and herb gardens. His careful attention to their growth yielded fresh veggies during the summer. He found love ten years ago in his best friend Kelei Johnson. Together, one was the ying to the other’s yang. Quiet evenings on the deck watching the butterflies and hummingbirds float around the flower blossoms was ever so peaceful. Holding hands and reflecting on their day was something he cherished greatly. Chuck loved beer and pizza (Steve’s and Luigi’s in River Falls were his top choices), and he ALWAYS had a pack of Tic Tacs in his pocket! He found relaxation fishing on the Kinni or Trimbelle. He had a voracious appetite for reading, delving into everything from Grisham’s criminal novels to the daily newspapers, covering each page from start to finish. His love of reading also led him into writing his own novel, which sadly he had yet to finish.

Chuck will forever be remembered by his children Samantha (Sean) Davis, Jamie Casler; soul mate and loving partner Kelei Johnson; bonus children Andrew (Samantha) Johnson and Megan Johnson; granddaughter Autumn Johnson; sister Cara Casler, a host of great childhood friends; as well as his former wife Julie Matzek. His parents, Jim and Penny Casler, precede him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, October 11th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 130 North Grant Street in Ellsworth with a memorial service at 7pm. Interment will be private at places that brought him many memories. Memorials may be directed to the funeral home at the address above.

Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421.