Sun Prairie———Charles Rortvedt, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at his home with family by his side. He was born at home in Dane, WI on November 6, 1935 to Theodore and Alice (Lenz) Rortvedt. He attended multiple schools in rural Dane County, graduating from Sun Prairie High School. While in high school he met Joan Skalitzky, which led to their marriage on June 2, 1956 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church.
Charlie worked for Meyers Feed Mill and then farmed before a 37 year career at Oscar Mayer’s, ending as an electrician. In retirement he drove truck for List Trucking and worked at Colonial View as a maintenance man.

Charlie enjoyed coonhounds, draft horses, hunting, fishing and sheepshead. Family and friends were a big part of these hobbies, including raising draft horses with his brother Tom. Fishing trips to the Thomas Cabin in Ignace, Ontario were made special with family and friends. These trips were about old fashions, fish frys and family. He was always ready to throw a few hands of sheepshead with family or the monthly game with his buddies. These last years he especially enjoyed watching and rooting for his grandson, who now plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Charlie lived the majority of his life in the Sun Prairie Area. He was a part of the Community being a member of Sacred Hearts Catholic Church for many years. He joined the Air National Guard for 3 years and later he became a member of the Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department. One of his best traits was he enjoyed lending a hand and helping others around their homes. He was a handy guy who could fix and repair almost anything.

He is survived by his wife Joan; children, Mike (Nanette), Lene`(Thomas) Heise, John (Kaia), David, Sue (Jack) Dekkers, Eric (Jean), Robert (Janet), and Colleen (Kerry) Williams; 15 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and one on the way; siblings, Jackie (Cecil) Boyd, Janice Weigen and Thomas (Gloria) Rortvedt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Conway Lenz; a son Donald; and a brother-in-law Thomas Weigen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 229 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, with Father Michael Johnson presiding. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.
Dad, you were the best example, showing us how to be a husband, father, and grandfather.