Charles "Chuck" Peter Langer

Charles “Chuck” Peter Langer passed away leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love, laughter, tradition, and unwavering devotion to family. Larger than life in every sense, Chuck had a gift for making an impact on everyone he met. His warm smile, quick wit, and natural charm turned strangers into friends and friends into family. He filled every room with his presence and every gathering with laughter, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Chuck was born and raised on Park Avenue in Pierz, Minnesota. Oldest of 7 siblings he graduated from Father Pierz Memorial High School in 1965, where he actively involved himself and starred in athletics, school plays, drama productions, and student government.

An Eagle Scout and lifelong learner, Chuck went on to attend St. Cloud State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology while working full-time and caring for his young family. His determination, work ethic, and commitment to those he loved reflected the character that defined his life.

Chuck built a successful career in the retail industry, holding leadership positions in operations and commercial real estate with companies including Musicland, B. Dalton Bookseller, and L Brands (Victoria's Secret). His career took his family on adventures across the country, living in Louisiana and Nebraska before ultimately returning home to Minnesota. No matter where life took him, Chuck built meaningful relationships and left lasting impressions through his authenticity, kindness, and gift for connecting with others.

Throughout his life, Chuck was deeply committed to serving others. He was actively involved in the Lions Club, dedicating his time to supporting his community and helping those around him. Service, generosity, and caring for others were qualities that came naturally. In his free time he was an avid golfer and loved spending time with friends, colleagues, family, and grandchildren on the course.

While he achieved much professionally, nothing was more important to Chuck than his family. They were the center of his world and the source of his greatest pride and joy. He coached his children in nearly every sport they participated in, spending countless hours on soccer fields, basketball courts, and sidelines teaching lessons that extended far beyond the game. As his family grew, Chuck embraced his role as Grampy with the same passion and enthusiasm. Whether it was a sporting event, school program, recital, or any special milestone, he could always be found cheering on his grandchildren and celebrating their accomplishments.

Chuck believed life's greatest treasures were not things, but the memories made with the people you love. A man of adventure, he was always ready to pack a bag and head somewhere new. Whether skiing the slopes of Aspen, relaxing on the beaches of Mexico, or setting off on another family trip up north, Chuck understood that the best experiences in life were the ones shared together.

Just as much as he loved adventure, Chuck treasured tradition. Some of his happiest memories were found at the deer shack, on the shores of Pierz Fish Lake, and wherever family and friends gathered. Above all, "The Lakes" held a special place in his heart. For more than fifty years, Chuck and his family returned year after year, creating a lifetime of memories through boating, card games, campfires, storytelling, sing alongs, happy hours, laughter, and time spent together. To Chuck, these traditions were more than annual trips; they were the threads that bound generations together.

Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it embodied everything he valued most: family, togetherness, gratitude, and tradition. The holiday table was one of his favorite places to be, surrounded by loved ones making annual thanksgiving plates, staring at the untouched fruit cake, and making his classic martinis. And while every dish was appreciated, everyone knew that Chuck's famous stuffing was always the star of the meal. Those fortunate enough to enjoy it often agreed there was simply no better stuffing anywhere.

Chuck embodied the word selfless on another level. No matter what life threw at him he showed up with positivity and optimism. He constantly wanted to remind those he loved not to worry - because why would you! His classic phrases reminding us the glass is half full (not empty), his elevator theory that positivity is contagious and you either lift the elevator up or down, and of course reminding us that when it came to flying - that yes the pilot wants to get home just as much as we do (so of course he napped the whole flight).

Chuck also appreciated life's simple pleasures. He rarely passed up a good gin and tonic (has to be Tanqueray, has to have a lime, has to have a cocktail napkin, fill the cup with ice first), a bag of peanut M&M's, or some Cheetos. Yet those who knew him best understood these moments were never really about the food or drink. They were opportunities to gather, tell stories, share laughter, and spend time with the people he loved.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Julia Langer, and his sister, June Hoppe.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shelly Langer; his children, Brad Langer (Sheila), Jennifer Draheim (Chris), Missy Eschenbacher (Andrew), and David Gurewitz (Janaya); and his eight cherished grandchildren, Irelandrose Langer, Liam Langer, Charley Draheim, Max Draheim, Bo Draheim, Annie Eschenbacher, Chase Eschenbacher, and Cruz Gurewitz.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jane Langer, Bob Langer (Annie), Mike Langer (Karen), Kay Sikich, and Kristin Brumley (Blair); his beloved Aunt, Sister Joyce Willenbring; along with 12 nieces and nephews and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Chuck will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grampy, loyal friend, true charmer, and a man who made everyone feel special. His legacy lives on in the traditions he passed down, the memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the countless lives he touched.

Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will forever remain in the laughter of family gatherings, the stories told around a campfire, the first sip of an ice cold gin and tonic, the beauty of a day at the lake, and the love shared by those who knew him. His was truly a life well-lived, and a life that will continue to inspire generations to come.

P.S. He was a dog lover

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels, 15800 37th Ave. N., Plymouth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Community Parish Center, 8701 36th Ave. N., New Hope. Luncheon to follow. Private family interment at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, Crystal.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Chuck’s Life at 4:00 p.m. at Rush Creek Golf Club, 7801 County Road 101, Maple Grove. In true Chuck fashion, guests are encouraged to raise a gin and tonic, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Chuck’s kindness, humor, and love for family will be remembered always.