Charles R. "Chuck" VonWald

Charles "Chuck" R. VonWald, former Olmsted County Sheriff, died October 9, 2025, of natural causes at the age of 96. Born May 25, 1929, near Alma, Wisconsin, Chuck was the son of Richard E. and Veronica (Mueller) VonWald. He grew up in a large family with ten siblings: Mildred (James McCabe, Winona), Christian (Marguerite VonWald, Eyota), Grace (Al Grob, Caledonia), Nancy (Phil Moore, Bloomington), James (Patricia VonWald, Rochester), Catherine (Don Kruger, Plainview), Ethyl (Eddie Hagan, Mondovi, WI), Myrna (James Johnson, North Dakota), Fay (Rich Fix, Maquokata, IA), and Richard (Rosie VonWald, Chatfield). Most of the family later relocated to southeast Minnesota. On May 25, 1950, Chuck married Bette Vanhook. Together, they began raising their family on a farm southwest of Eyota. Their children included Steven (Eyota, deceased), Charles "Chuckie" Jr. (deceased at age 11), Rita Becker (Rochester), Bill (Barb, Rochester), Lisa Sweeney (Denver, CO, deceased), and Judy (Juan DeLeluque, Becker, MN). Chuck joined The Olmsted County Sheriff's Department in 1958. He served in many capacities with the department and was elected Sheriff in 1970. Bette and the youngest of the four children moved to Rochester where Chuck would serve as sheriff until 1991 when he retired. During his tenure as sheriff, he was an FBI Academy Graduate, MN Sheriff's Association President, and National Sheriff's Association President. In addition to his distinguished career in law enforcement, Chuck leaves a legacy through his commitment to the youth of Olmsted County through the VonWald Youth Center which was established in the 1970s with the help of his late wife Bette. Chuck enjoyed golfing in Minnesota and Arizona where he and Bette would frequently winter with their RV. He played an active role in operating the family farm alongside his son Steve, an endeavor he found particularly meaningful. Chuck was also a valued member of the Shriners and the Eagles, where he often socialized with friends. Chuck is survived in death by his three children: Bill, Judy, and Rita, as well as 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at the Waters and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Chuck during recent months. He will be remembered for his generosity and warm laughter, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. The family requests memorial gifts be directed to The VonWald Youth Shelter – 180 Degrees https://180degrees.org or The Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of Southeast Minnesota https://lawenforcementmemorial.org/donate.html A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com