Charles Kyllo, 77, McAllen, Texas

Charles Edward “Chuck” Kyllo, 77, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by family in McAllen, Texas.

Chuck was born in Wanamingo Township to Elmer and Eleanor Kyllo on Oct. 5, 1947. He was the youngest of 15 children. He graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1965. He farmed with his mother until he was drafted into the service in 1967. He was stationed in Vietnam with the 34th Engineering Battalion until 1969. He married Donna Andersen on Jan. 16, 1969, in Honolulu, Hawaii. From this marriage he was blessed with two average sons, and one beautiful and talented daughter. He started his career with John Deere in Wanamingo, followed by a move to Cresco, Iowa, finishing up in Owatonna. He then changed to driving semi-truck for American Freight Systems for many years and retired from driving from ABF Freight in 2009. He did have a brief stint with Schwan’s Company in Owatonna. This career was cut short after a “small incident” involving a “bring your kids to work day” with ALL three of his children. He also enjoyed his time with the Steele County Sheriff’s Posse for many years. Upon his retirement, Donna and Chuck enjoyed countless times singing karaoke together, whether it was at a local watering hole, or on the deck of your camper. They have been seasonal campers at Shades of Sherwood Campgrounds since the early 1990s, continuing to this day. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and his daily stops at The Kernel restaurant in Owatonna.

At retirement, a motorhome was also purchased, and the road trip took them to southern Texas where the motorhome was quickly sold after one too many “God Dammit Donna’s” and a permanent home at a park was taken. They spent 15 years as winter Texans and summers in Zumbrota at Shades of Sherwood. Chuck is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna, sons Sean (Marie) Kyllo of Nerstrand, Eric (Lisa) Kyllo of Blooming Prairie, and daughter Stephanie (Randy) Delzer of Northfield. Eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, with one due in May 2025. Sister-in-law Rhonda (Tom) Eichinger, sisters, Marlene (Jim) Haller, Stella Morton, Susan Johnson and Eunice Roberts. He is preceded in death by his parents; great grandson Soren Christofferson, brothers Maurice “Bud” Kyllo, Marvin “Pete” Kyllo, Palmer Kyllo, Walton Kyllo and Orion Kyllo. Sisters, Avis Erlanson, Florence Howie, Shirley Schmitz, Mary Jane Schmitz and Infant sister, Marna Kyllo. Celebration of Life will take place on April 12, 2025, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at the event center at 37612 Goodhue Ave., Dennison (Main Street) with Military Honors at 2 p.m.