Charles F. Poppler

1940 - 2025

Charles Poppler, age 85 of Watertown, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Cedar Crest Estates in Silver Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. Visitation held AT THE CHURCH 4-8:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday one hour prior to the Mass. Interment at a later date in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.

Charles was born on January 3, 1940 in Waconia, MN, the son of Francis and Theresa (Bovey) Poppler. He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Waconia. On October 5, 1963, Charles was united in marriage to Barbara A. Rosckes at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown.

Charlie was truly one of a kind, a bit of a celebrity in both his family and his community. He loved life, his family, and farming, and it showed in everything he did. Raised on a farm in Waconia, he continued his lifelong passion for farming alongside his wife, Barb, his devoted partner and right hand, on the family farm in Watertown until retiring in 1997. Together, they raised five daughters, blessing them with wisdom, strength, and grace.

Charlie was known for his dedication to family, his "nine lives," his humor and memorable one-liners, his contagious smile, and his warmth and generosity. Sociable and charitable, he was famous for growing the best sweet corn in Carver County, which he donated each year to local nursing homes. He loved dancing, especially to polka music, playing cards and dice, snowmobiling, and entertaining with a close circle of friends long into the night, often staying up because it was time to milk the cows. And he never turned down a brandy!

Despite the long, demanding hours of farming, Charlie remained committed to serving his community. He volunteered at FFA and Boy Scout events, served on the Co-op board, and was an active member of the NFO. After retiring, he drove bus for the local school district and continued giving back by reading to children at the elementary school, participating in his Bible study group, and helping maintain the church grounds. A devoted Catholic, he served as a lector, eucharistic minister, and rosary leader. His unwavering faith in God gave him a life well lived.

Charlie left a remarkable footprint on the lives of all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Poppler; parents Francis and Theresa Poppler; siblings Frances (Ray) Schmieg, Marcella (Florian) Eder, Laura (Bill) Schroeder, Gerald Poppler, Richard (Arlene) Poppler, Kathleen (Merlin) Quast, Rose (Eugene) Meuwissen, Barb (Bob) Larson, Sister MaryAnn Poppler; grandchild Shelby Wren.

Charles is survived by his loving family: daughters and sons-in-law Carol "Tutie" and Mike Wren of Waverly, Denise "Neise" and Lee Norman of Maple Grove, Annette "Nettie" and Bob Elwood of Stevens Point, WI, Tracy and Jim Mortenson of Clear Lake, Janelle "Nellie" and Nathan Kellermann of Hutchinson; grandchildren Christine Wren, Brandon (Kaylene) Wren, Aubrey Wren, Charlie Wren, Jessica (Andy) Bongard, Andrew (Kathleen) Norman, Jocelyn (Pat) Regan, Maya Elwood and friend Aaron Peters, Aidan Elwood, Steven Poppler, Camerae (Baryn) Gronholz, Chloey (Loren) Dauer, Noah Kellermann; step-grandchild Tristen Mortenson; great grandchildren Charlotte, Samuel Wren, Owen Wren, Olivia Bongard, Lainey Bongard, Liam Norman, Eleanore Norman, Theodore Norman, Rory Regan, Hollis Gronholz; one great grandchild on the way; step-great-grandchild Rosalie Sanchez; brother Leander (Chrys) Poppler; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine Rosckes, Ralph and June Rosckes, Geraldine Poppler; many other relatives and friends.

Serving as casket bearers Brandon Wren, Charlie Wren, Andrew Norman, Aidan Elwood, Steven Poppler, Tristen Mortenson, Noah Kellermann.

Honorary casket bearers Christine Wren, Aubrey Wren, Jessica Bongard, Jocelyn Regan, Maya Elwood, Camerae Gronholz, Chloey Dauer.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.