Charles John "Chuck" Tekautz

Charles John 'Chuck' Tekautz

Charles John "Chuck" Tekautz 85, of Soudan, Minnesota, completed his final earthly journey on Monday June 9, 2025, at his home in Soudan, Minnesota surrounded by his wife, and other family members.

He was born in Soudan, Minnesota on April 4, 1940, the son of Charles S. and Gladys (Axelson) Tekautz. Chuck was united in marriage to Nancy Singleton Vandevoort on August 12, 1982, in Virginia, Minnesota.

Chuck grew up in Tower, Minnesota, graduating from Tower-Soudan High School in 1958. After high school Chuck received his associates degree from Superior College and moved to Chicago to train as a machinist. He began his career as a machinist in Chicago, returning to the Iron range in 1966 to work for the Reserve Mining Company in Babbitt, Minnesota. In 1982 Reserve Mining Company closed, and with a young family to feed he changed careers working in sales for Tartan Transportation Systems Inc. based in Tower, Minnesota, and when the company moved operations to Waseca, Minnesota, he took over plant management for Tartans sister company Delta Waseca. While an employee of Tartan he was awarded 2 patents for Air Ride Suspension units.

Charles lived a life of public service, teaching CPR, volunteering as a Fire Fighter and EMT for Tower Fire Department and Ambulance Service and serving on the Tower City Council and Breitung Town Board.

Chuck is survived by his wife Nancy; Children: Stephen (Terry) Tekautz of Soudan, MN, Dena (Thomas) Suihkonen of Tower, MN, Anthony (Ann) Tekautz of Brooklyn Park, MN, John (Darcey) Vandevoort of Tower, MN, and David (Tina) Vandevoort of Tallahassee, Fla. Grandchildren: Callie (Christopher) Jensen, Charlie (Makayla Densmore) Tekautz, and Tucker Tekautz, Andrea Suihkonen, Ariana (Jason) Picard, Gabriella (Jorden) Gross, and Olivia (Brody) Haavisto, Stefanie (Derek) Holleman, Brent Tekautz, and Nathan Tekautz, Nicholas Vandevoort, and Sabrina (Jaziel) Navarro, Justin (Samantha) Vandevoort, and Emily Vandevoort. Great-Grandchildren: Madelynn, Brooklynn and Ashlynn Jensen, Odin, Barrett and Sage Picard; and Carver Haavisto; Sister: Melinda Berg of Eveleth. Numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Charlie and Gladys; Son: Brian; brothers: Edward, Tim, Robert; and sister Pat; In-laws Richard and Mabel Singleton, and Pierce and Bertha Holstine.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 16th, 2025, at St. Martins Catholic Church in Tower, MN.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff of Essentia Health for their excellent care.

Memorials may be directed to the Tower Area Food Shelf.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com