Charles John "Chuck" Heesch

Charles John "Chuck" Heesch, 87 (Going on 88), passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 surrounded by his family at his home in Elkton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, SD. The family will be present for visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026 also at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, SD.

Charles John Heesch was born on November 8, 1938, on a farm outside of Elkton in the Parnell District. He attended Parnell District 5 for grades 1 through 8 and graduated from Elkton High School in 1956.

Chuck was a highly regarded athlete for Elkton. His athletic accomplishments were later recognized with his induction into the Elk Nation Hall of Fame in 2018. Farming was not just Charles's occupation-it was his life. He dedicated himself to the land and took great pride in the work he did over the years.

Chuck shared sixty-two years of marriage with his wife, JoAnn Bartelt, the love of his life. Family meant everything to him; and one of his greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren take part in sporting events. He traveled several hundred miles over the years to sit in the stands and support them, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on.

Chuck was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by six children, Charleen (Dale) Bowne, White, SD, Jeff (Kelly) Heesch, Brookings, SD, Bob (Nancy) Heesch, Sioux Falls, SD, Laura Armstrong, Elkton, SD, Brad (Buffy) Heesch, Watertown, SD, Gayle (Curt) Krogman, Elkton, SD; 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him great pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn; brother, Lyle; sisters, Roween (Jim Cameron) and Bev (Jim Ehret); an infant brother; sister and brother-in-law Carole and Gordon Wince; brothers-in-law, Donald Bartelt and Gene Bartelt; his parents-in-law, O.W. and Marvel Bartelt; and his great-grandson, Logan Saunders.

Charles John Heesch will be remembered for his dedication to his family and farming.