Charles Bauerle: 1950-2021
Charles Bauerle, age 71, of Marion, S.D., went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 14, 2021. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Walter Funeral Chapel in Marion, S.D. A funeral service will be Thursday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the First Church of God in Marion, with a graveside service to follow at the First Church of God Cemetery.
Charles “Chuck” Robert Bauerle was born on March 27, 1950 to Verna (Wentzel) & Willard Bauerle. Chuck graduated from Marion High School in 1968 and went on to spend a year pursing small electronics education at Mitchell Technical Institute. On June 4, 1971, he was united in marriage to Phyllis DeGroot. Together they raised three children of their own and lovingly raised three grandchildren as well. They were eagerly anticipating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Chuck worked for Egger Steel and Schwartz Manufacturing before making the decision to attend Dakota Weslyan University in Mitchell, S.D., to pursue a degree in nursing. In 1993, Chuck graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing and would go on to work for the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion and the Freeman Regional Hospital in Freeman before finishing out his nursing career at the Human Services Center in Yankton, S.D. Chuck greatly enjoyed his time caring for patients until his retirement in 2017.
Throughout his adult life, Chuck enjoyed serving his community. He was an EMT for the Marion Community Ambulance, served on the Marion School Board, coached youth baseball and Jr. High Basketball, and volunteered at his church home, the First Church of God. In 1981, he traveled with for a mission trip to build a church in Costa Rica.
In life, and especially in retirement, Chuck enjoyed filling his time with hunting, trains and travel. He was a die-hard Pittsburg Steelers fan and could always be found cheering them on during football season. He was well versed in buying and selling collectibles on E-Bay and enjoyed the treasures he would find. The pride and joy of his life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chuck could often be found in the bleachers and on the sidelines rooting for his favorite players and the cupboards of his home were always filled with their favorite treats.
Chuck is survived by his wife: Phyllis; three children: Amber Vrooman, Marion, SD, Sarah (Ryan) Talbott, Kimball, SD, and Robert (Nikki) Bauerle, Marion, SD; three grandchildren who were raised by Chuck & Phyllis: Aleacia (Mike) Becker, Freeman, SD, Andrew Grassi, Sioux Falls, SD and Mia Grassi (fiancé: Blake Baum), Marion, SD; grandchildren: Wyatt Talbott, Kylee Talbott, Danica Bauerle, Ryan Brown, Carson Bauerle; Great-Grandchildren: Holly Becker, Shelby Becker, Ellie Becker, Blake Becker and Baby Girl Baum (Due July 2021); brother: Larry Bauerle, Lennox, SD; sisters: Rosemary Eliason, Sioux Falls, SD, Laurie (Tim) Ensz, Mitchell, SD, Julie (Gary) Conlon, Eureka, SD; mother-in-law: Orpha DeGroot and many others who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his mother: Verna Schoenwald; his father: Willard Bauerle; his step-father: Dave Schoenwald; father-in-law: Harold DeGroot; brother: Randy Bauerle; sister: Beverly Taft; brother-in-law: Dennis Eliason; sister-in-law: Lorraine Bauerle; niece: Tammy (Taft) Smith; and many other beloved family members.
