Charles Joseph Stultz
April 19, 1953 ~ August 11, 2014
Charles J. Stultz, 61, Valley Springs, SD, died Monday, August 11, 2014, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, following a short battle with cancer.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 14, 2014, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Memorial services will begin at 10:30am, Friday, August 15, at Heritage Lutheran Church, Brandon, SD, with Pastor Jerry Merkouris officiating.
Charles Joseph Stultz was born April 19, 1953, in Madison, NE, to Charles D. and Ann (Von Rentzell) Stultz. He was the eldest of nine children. Charles graduated high school from St. Edward High. He started driving trucks and hauling freight shortly afterwards. On September 28, 1974, he married his wife of thirty-nine years, Deb Acklie, in Norfolk, NE. They eventually moved to Dakota City and then on to the Sioux Falls’ area in 1988. Charles continued to haul freight right up until his health would no longer permit him to drive.
Charles truly enjoyed life and believed it was all an adventure. His philosophy was to not dwell on the negativity, but to keep life simple and enjoy everything while he could. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to go hunting antelope and pheasants with his sons. He enjoyed sitting on the back deck and watching the birds and just soaking up the peacefulness. Sports, and especially the Huskers, were also a favorite pastime for him. Card games and board games showed his competitive edge as he and Hope dominated everyone at Pitch. Charles loved his family more than anything else as they always came first. Giving his granddaughters rides on the four wheeler, teaching them to shoot guns, or reading them bedtime stories (which weren’t usually the real words but something he made up to go with the pictures), are memories the girls will never forget.
Charles will be deeply missed by his wife, Deb; two sons, Dana Stultz, Rapid City, and Dusty (Hope) Stultz, Brandon; three grandchildren, Athena, Aura, Rayleigh; his parents, Charles and Ann Stultz, Norfolk, NE; seven siblings, John (Karen Amend) Stultz, Norfolk, NE, Kathy Stultz, Lincoln, NE, Marcia Love, Gunderson, CO, Jim Stultz, Dallas, TX, Bill Stultz, Minden, NE, Dan (Boone) Stultz, Overton, NE, and Carlin Stultz, Dallas, TX; his mother-in-law, Irma Acklie, Madison, NE; and four brothers-in-law, Ron (Amy) Acklie, Clearwater, NE, Roger (Kathy) Acklie, Madison, NE, Neal (Diann) Acklie, Norfolk, NE, and Randy (Ieda) Acklie, Norfolk, NE; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by a brother, Michael, and his father-in-law.
I am sorry to hear the news about Charlie. He was one of my regular delivery drivers and he was one of the BEST! I will miss his stories and his laughter. My thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie’s family.
Deb,Dana,Dusty and Hope,
I am very sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great friend and neighbor. No matter how my day was it was always better when I talked to Charlie. Charlie was one of the very rare people who really did put others before himself. We will be so much poorer without him but Heaven will be so much richer. We were all blessed just to know a man as good as Charlie and that is why it makes it so hard to say good bye. God bless and keep you all.
Doug
Deb and family,
So very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your family during this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you today and in the days to come. Thoughts and prayers are sent to help you deal with your grief.
Kim
Deb, Dusty, Hope and Rayleigh –
We are so sorry for the loss of Charlie. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Warren, Nikki, Lake, Aftyn and Kinsley
My condolences go out to the entire Stultz family. Charles (Charlie) was a year behind me in school in St Ed and myself and siblings remember all the Stultz’s. I just happened to see his name and was shocked. May God bless Charles and each one of you. Steve and Cindy Flaherty
Deb and Family,
So sorry about Charlie he was a great guy I will mis his laughter the most thoughts and prayers to all.
Tonia
I knew Charlie growing up in St Ed. We were classmates and our large families were together a lot. We pray for Deb and the family. Sounds like Charlie was a great dad and even better grandpa. That doesn’t surprise me. God’s speed Charlie.
Deb and Family,Thinking of you during this difficult time. Charlie always had a joke and a friendly hello to all. May he rest in peace.
Deb and Family…
Words can’t explain how we feel right now…after just seeing him on Sunday just figured
things would continue to improve.. We have so many fond memories of him and you while we lived in Lincoln. He always had that wonderful smile and the two of you go back a long way..Our heart goes out to you all. Know we are praying for you all..We will see you on Friday..Hugs!!
Al & Vicky
Deb & Family,
we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing his always smiling face, that is the only way I will remember him. God bless you at this difficult time. You are all in our prayers.
Al&Janet
Deb and family,
So very sorry about Charlie. Just too young. Please know that I am here for you. I am back in Sioux Falls again. My cell is 402-672-0145. Prayers have been sent for you. Let’s have lunch after things settle down for you. Hugs…Jane Heald
Hi, my name is Dixie Niemann and I also graduated with Charlie. He was usually smiling as we passed in the hallway between classes. The last time I saw Charlie was at our 40th alumni get together. When I got to our meeting place, there were a few people there and as I walked by I did a double-take and yelled Charlie. Everyone laughed. As more classmates came in, Charlie was treated like a superstar. I was so happy he made it and I’m glad I was there. My deepest sympathy to his whole family and smile as you think of your memories of Charlie as we all will.