Carl J. Czeck

Carl J. Czeck, age 80, of East Bethel, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Carl was born on December 24, 1944, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Michael and Rose (Schlichting) Czeck. He grew up in Saint Paul and later enjoyed life on the family farm in Foley, Minnesota.

On January 25, 1964, Carl married the love of his life, Judith Johnston. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, hard work, and adventure. Carl and Judy raised their family while operating the family grocery business in South Saint Paul and later lived in White Bear Lake before moving to New Prague in the mid 1980s, where they owned and operated the Fairway Foods store. After selling the business, Carl continued his career as a meat cutter at Lunds & Byerly's, where he was known for his friendly smile, and top-notch customer service.

Carl and Judy purchased property on Coon Lake, where they eventually built their dream home and sold adjoining lots on both sides to friends — creating a close-knit lakeside community that became the heart of so many cherished memories. Carl loved lake life: long pontoon rides, quiet mornings fishing, and laughter-filled evenings surrounded by family and friends at the bonfire.

Carl had a knack for storytelling — some true, some possibly embellished — and he was always ready with a quick one-liner that could make anyone laugh. His sense of humor was as much a part of him as his kindness and big heart.

A proud grandpa and great-grandpa, Carl’s eyes lit up whenever he talked about his grandkids. He loved sharing stories about them, celebrating their milestones, and making them laugh — they were truly his pride and joy.

Carl and Judy shared a love of travel, taking cruises and exploring new destinations. They always returned home with stories to tell and memories to share. When Judy’s health began to decline, their adventures became closer to home, but their love and companionship never wavered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Rose; beloved wife, Judy; son, Carl Jr.; brother, Melvin; sister-in-law, Nancy Czeck; brother-in-law, Roy Jurek, and brother-in-law, James Johnston.

Carl is survived by his children, Robert (Melinda) and Barbara; grandchildren, Tyler, Ashleigh (Jared), Benjamin (Ashtyn), and Addison (Summer); great-grandchildren, Riley, Brody, Lincoln, Liliana, Lainey, and Sonny; siblings, David (Janie), Henry (Charlene), Michael (Judy), Maryann Jurek, Rose (Gary) Olson, Annette Czeck, and James (Joyce); along with many Godchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Church of Saint Paul, 1740 Bunker Lake Blvd. NE, Ham Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to Mass at the church. A luncheon will follow the service, and interment will take place at Victor Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the North Anoka County Emergency Food Shelf (18511 MN-65, East Bethel, MN 55011) or the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.

Carl’s life was one of laughter, love, and loyalty — filled with stories, smiles, and the joy of family.