Charles Donovan Selle

1929 - 2024

Charles Donovan Selle

May 31, 1929 - October 1, 2024

LEEDS - Charles Donovan Selle, age 95, of Leeds, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Columbia Health Care Center. He was born May 31, 1929 in the Town of Lowville to Charles C. Selle and Ora (Stebbins) Selle.

He was educated through the 8th grade at Jefferson School, a one room schoolhouse in rural Poynette, then worked as a farmhand until given an opportunity to rent a dairy farm beginning the year of his marriage. Donovan was united in marriage to Phyllis Nelson, the love of his life, September 23, 1950 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Poynette, where he was also baptized and confirmed.

Later he became a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio. They were blessed with two children, Darwin and Karen. Farming became his greatest enjoyment. In later years, Donovan operated multiple farms along with his wife until age 92. He also had a passion for vehicles including John Deere machinery. During the "empty nest" years, Donovan enjoyed fishing, boating and playing card games with family and friends in their winter home in North Fort Myers, FL and summer cabin near Rib Lake, WI.

Survivors include children: Darwin (Annette) Selle and Karen Bortz, Rio; six grandchildren: Anthony Selle, Rio, Conrad (Nichole) Selle, Bloomington, IL, Marcellette (Nicolas) Cloche, Fericy, France, Nathan (Lindsey) Bortz, Kiel, Nicholas (Katie) Bortz, Rio, Neil (Rachel) Bortz, Rio; nine great-grandchildren: Lucas, Andrew and Alienor, Brady and Avery, Bryce and Kaelyn and Amelia and Barrett; sister, Virginia Pache; brothers-in-law: Wayne (Norma) Nelson and Alfred (Barbara) Nelson; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death include Donovan's parents; wife, Phyllis, of 71 years; son-in-law, John W. Bortz; great-grandson, Matthew Cloche; brothers-in-law: Daniel Pache, David (Helen) Nelson; sisters-in-law: Manetta (Joe) Henning, Joyce (Werner) Fansel and Donna (Dick) Stauber.

Thank you to the compassionate Columbia Health Care Center staff who lovingly cared for Dad these past couple years and especially to those who appreciated all of his humorous remarks. Further recognition to St. Croix's Hospice Team including Chaplain Fred Schumacher as well as to Grasse Funeral Service.

Should friends or family desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Columbia Health Care Center in Charles Donovan Selle's name. ATTN: Business Office Columbia Health Care Center, Foundation Fund, PO Box 895, 323 West Monroe St., Wyocena, WI 53969.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio Monday, October 14, 2024 with Chaplain Fred Schumacher officiating. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at the Lowville Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service in Rio is serving the family.