Eugene Charles “Chuck” Wann, 77

Eugene Charles “Chuck” Wann, 77, of New Prague, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, in Fort Myers, FL. Chuck was born on January 25, 1946 in New Prague, to Eugene C. and Lois (Suel) Wann. He attended St. Wenceslaus School and was a 1964 graduate of New Prague High School. After attending the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, he graduated from Mankato State University. On February 10, 1968, he was married to Barbara (Franz) Wann in New Prague. They had two children. He later married Janis (Bethke) Wann on August 20, 1995, in New Prague.

 In 1969 Chuck began his career at The New Prague Times/Suel Printing Co. as Advertising Manager. Working closely with his grandfather Arthur J. Suel, he later succeeded him as publisher. A former president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA), he was also a member of the MNA Half Century Club.

 He was a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus, New Prague Chamber of Commerce, New Prague Opportunities, New Prague Jaycees, New Prague Ambulance Service, and served as president of the New Prague Utilities Commission, along with numerous other clubs and organization. 

 One of his favorite pastimes was riding on his lawnmower or just “putzing” at his Mille Lacs cabin. Whether it was teaching a grandchild how to water ski, fishing on Mille Lacs, or hanging out with them, Chuck was a favorite with his grandchildren. Family always took center stage. The room lit up when Chuck entered. His positive energy and commanding voice announced the gathering was about to get lighter! Always ready with a joke or quip, Chuck infused it with laughter. His jovial personality and ready smile won him many friends, not only in New Prague, but wherever he went. He was kind, welcoming, and non-judgmental and the twinkle that lit up his eyes and the smile that was his signature will be sorely missed by the family and friends that loved him.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Janis, children David (Pamela) Wann of Chanhassen, Lori (Steve) Meloche, of Bloomington, Jeremy (Michelle) Bethke, of Baraboo, WI, Jesse (Lisa) Bethke, of Cannon Falls. Grandchildren Eric and Taylor Wann, Alan Brown, Jameson Bethke, Kaitlin (Reijo) Wahlin, Nikole (Donald) Hetrick, and James (special friend Brittany Dahlen) Webster. Great-grandchildren Peter, Lincoln, Charlie, Dakota and Hank. Brother Arthur S. (Ann) Wann. Sisters-in-law Jacquelyn (James) Bartz, Joyce (Neal) Hinkel and Joni (Jon) Zehnder. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Service will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday morning from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague. Burial will follow the service at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the New Prague Golf Club.

 Memorials preferred to the American Heart Association, the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation or St. Wenceslaus School.

 

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