It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles D. Wingert (Chuck), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Friday, March 21, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday March 26, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Burial will take place in the St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake. A rosary was recited on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, with a visitation following at the church. A vigil service was held at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
A life-long cowboy was born on April 1, 1938, near Wesley, Iowa, to Louis and Helen Wingert. He grew up on a farm near Buffalo Center, where his parents quickly instilled in him and his younger brother, Donald, the responsibilities of farm life. While he thrived in the hard work of farming, Chuck was also a fantastic student, excelling particularly in math. He graduated as salutatorian from Buffalo Center High School before attending Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and later transferring to Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), where he earned a degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Economics.
While at Loras, Chuck was set up on a blind date with a beautiful young woman, Marilyn Owen, a student at Clarke College. It was love at first sight for the couple, and two years later, they celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony on August 2, 1958, in Grinnell, IA. For their honeymoon, they visited Okoboji, IA, a place that would later become their home.
Chuck and Marilyn started their life together in Boone, IA, where Marilyn taught second grade while Chuck finished college. His career began as a salesperson for the Farmers Cooperative Elevator in Terril, IA, where he eventually became manager. Later, he accepted a position as plant manager for the Big Four soybean plant in Sheldon, IA. However, their true dream was to embrace country living, which they fulfilled in 1978 when they moved to Spirit Lake, IA, with their 7 children. There, they owned and operated Silver Spur Ranch, a horse-riding stable, and later, Chuck raised beefalo cattle as a hobby. For 44 years, the couple also ran United Country Heartland Real Estate together until their well-earned retirement.
In 2022, during a routine doctor’s appointment, Chuck received news of abnormal test results. True to his nature as a hardworking cowboy, Chuck never hung up his hat or kicked off his boots for good. Playing the role of a cowboy wasn’t just something he did — it was part of who he was. Whether raising his family, tending to his beefalo, or simply embracing the grit and freedom of country living, he carried that cowboy spirit with pride. Even as he faced his illness, he did so with quiet strength, never letting it take away from the identity he had built. In his final days, surrounded by the love of his family and the comfort of home, he held on to the values that had shaped his life until he peacefully entered eternal rest in Blessed Mother Mary’s arms.
Chuck was a devout Catholic who constantly prayed that he was being a great example and faith leader to his wife, kids, and grandkids. He cared, loved, and wanted the best for everyone he met, especially those closest to him. We know that Chuck is enjoying his “Family Reunion in Heaven” with his parents, his oldest son Tom, and all of his other relatives and friends. Thank you, Chuck, for loving all of us, and we know you will continue to pray for all of your relatives and friends who are still here on Earth. We will miss you dearly, but you have earned your “Heavenly Reward.” Until we are united again one day… we will see you when we see you.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wingert (Owen), of Spirit Lake, IA; 6 children: Jim Wingert (Rhonda) of Rugby, ND; Dan Wingert (Pam) of Spirit Lake, IA; Jon Wingert and fiancee Laurie of Estherville, IA; Joe Wingert (Brenda) of Lakefield, MN; Sam Wingert and special friend Beth of Spirit Lake, IA; and Patricia Wingert-Steffens of Spirit Lake, IA; 17 grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and brother Donald Wingert of Spirit Lake, IA. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis in 1972; his mother, Helen in 2010; and son, Tom in 1993.
