Charles Cantleberry

Charles Joseph Cantleberry was born on November 7, 1931 to Henry (Hank) and Hattie (Smolka) Cantleberry at their family home in Scandia Valley Township, Mn. Charles was the third child of five and the first-born son.

Chuck graduated from Pillager Public School in 1949. In 1952 he married the love of his life Marvel Joyce Wetherbee in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together they made their home in Scandia Valley where they farmed and raised their 4 children, Michael, Steven, Douglas, and Connie. In 2003 Charles married Allora Gail Beard, after their divorce he remained on his farm with Marvel until his death.

Charles farmed his land, worked his dairy farm and paper routes, later becoming a full time USPS mail carrier for Pillager and Motley, until his retirement in 1993. He loved his farm and continued to work his farmland until 2014. Chuck was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Pillager and later a member of Casino Assemblies of God Church of Pillager.

Chuck had a great love for his family, small children, reading, farming, music and traveling. He was often shy by nature, but he formed lasting friendships throughout his life and all who knew him enjoyed his wonderful and contagious belly laugh! His shoulders shook and tears sometimes escaped his laughing eye!

Chuck had a great love and special talent for music. He played bass guitar by ear alongside Marvel’s accordion. Polka & Waltz music were a favorite, but man o’ man could he sing, with a beautiful baritone voice that rang with joy, as he sang for weddings, funerals or just for fun.

Chuck and Marvel especially enjoyed their travels in later years to Rollag, MN for the Olde Thyme Threshing Bee or traveling south for the winter. Listening to and playing music when they could was a great pleasure along with seeing new sights and meeting new friends.

Chuck is lovingly remembered by his first love Marvel, sons Michael, Motley, MN, Steven, Lisbon, ND, Douglas, Fessenden, ND, daughter Connie (Don), Big Lake, MN. Grandchildren: Jennifer, Rhoda, Steve, Stephanie, Brent, Summer, Cole, Brittany, Henry, Amber, Kyle, Lacey, & Emily, 25 great Grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, brother Paul Cantleberry, sister Margaret Hines and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Henry (Hank) and Hattie Cantleberry, sister Letitia (Tish) Thorn, brother Henry R Cantleberry and grandson Stevie.

A private family memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021.