Charles "Charlie" Schnitzler, age 98, of Burr Oak, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, surrounded by family at Accura Healthcare in Cresco, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Burr Oak Lutheran Church, 2358 360th Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Pastor David Werges presiding. Burial will follow the luncheon at Bluffton City Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water Street, Decorah, Iowa. There will be no visitation before the church service on Wednesday morning. Please come in and be seated.

The service will be livestreamed on the Burr Oak and Hesper Lutheran Parish Facebook page.

Charlie was born on October 23, 1927, to John and Edith (Hiller) Schnitzler in their family home near Decorah, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bluffton Lutheran Church and his faith remained important to him throughout his life.

Charlie attended country school in Pleasant Township near Bluffton, Iowa. Due to world events and his devotion to family and the responsibilities of running the family (hospital) farm, Charles was not able to complete his education at that time. However, he was given the opportunity to complete his education and received his GED in later years while employed at Camcar.

On June 1, 1953, he married Frances Rakow at Decorah Lutheran Church. Together they raised three daughters, Patricia Ann, Cathy Lynn, and Laura Lee.

After the birth of Patricia, Charlie was drafted into the Army and served two years working as a Wheeled Vehicle mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1957 to return home to help with spring field work and to care for his family. Charlie and Fran moved to the Moran farm where they created many wonderful memories with their children. After 14 years, they relocated to Burr Oak where Charlie pursued a new profession at Camcar Textron. He was, however, able to continue his love of farming on his small “hobby farm” where he raised beef cattle, horses and geese. He also found the time to enjoy woodworking, plowing contests and spending time with his family and friends.

Everyone who knew Charlie grew to love him. He had a kind heart, a playful personality and always had a joke to tell. He wasn’t afraid of hard work. He always made time to help his family with chores or any field work that needed to be done. He loved John Deere tractors, and it showed by the many toy tractors that he always had on display. Everyone that knew him knew that Charlie absolutely loved the game of Euchre and played every chance that he could.

In later years, Charlie even learned to cook and took on the responsibility of caring for Fran. After her passing, he reconnected with an old friend who quickly became an important part of his life. Joan and Charlie spent a lot of time together sharing memories and creating new ones.

Survivors include his three daughters, Patricia (Rick) Johnson, Holmen, WI; Cathy (Dan) Cummings, Moorhead, MN; Laura (Greg) Recker, Cresco, IA. Nine grandchildren: Angie (Faron) Finch, Phil (Amanda) Jahnke-Sauer, Tracy Jahnke, Crystal (Dustin) Schmidt, Amber (Rickie) Frascone, Christopher (Elissa) Widmoyer, Timothy Widmoyer, Kathleen Cummings, and James (Allison) Cummings. Thirteen great grandchildren: Viola, Wyatt, Landon, Taryn, Bailey, Madison, Harley, Dominic, Taylor, Bodie, Paige, Lillith, and Blake. Two great-great children: Laila and Quinn. His sisters, Edna Schrandt, Decorah, IA and Dorthy “Kay” (Ron) Barth, Cedar Rapids, IA and brother Donnie (Carol) Schnitzler, Decorah, IA. and sister-in-law, Evelyn Schnitzler, Decorah, IA along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Charlie was proceeded in death by his parents John and Edith (Hiller) Schnitzler, spouse: Frances (Rakow) Schnitzler and two children in infancy; five siblings; Carl, Milton, John, Joyce, and Margaret.