Charles "Chuck" Hartsoch, 71

Charles Michael Hartsoch, 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Ronan Sept. 4, 2023.

Chuck was born Jan. 26, 1952, in Kalispell to Grace and Ray Hartsoch and graduated from Polson High School. He later earned a degree in architectural design from Northern Montana College in Havre before returning to the Flathead Valley.

Chuck married Kathleen Seifert in 1974 in Polson and they had two children, Jacob Hartsoch of Bellingham, Wash., and Sarah Bird of Spokane, Wash.

After working in construction and on the oil fields in Wyoming, he spent most of his working life as the produce manager at Super 1 and Harvest Foods in the Flathead Valley and could always be found there wearing a sweater.

Chuck loved the outdoors, and we have many fond memories growing up of camping, cutting wood, finding the perfect Christmas tree, sledding, and exploring the hills with him in his big gray truck. His chainsaw was always finely tuned.

He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed building all manner of things for family and friends over the years – rocking horses, cabinets, beds,= and Christmas toys for local kids. These heirlooms are all over the West now, all stained in his favorite walnut stain.

Like any good Montanan, he had at least three broken down trucks in the yard that were all in “really fine shape” that he enjoyed tinkering with when he was in better health. He loved a good rodeo, a can of Copenhagen, and new power tools. He once built a full sand beach volleyball court in his backyard that made a good many memories.

Chuck had a core group of darn fine friends that he had known nearly his entire life – what a blessing. He enjoyed playing golf with many of them. He came late to golf but loved the heck out of it - especially getting the grandkids out on the course overlooking the Mission mountains.

He was competent and full of ingenuity, and could figure out, fix, and build almost anything. He taught us that, with patience and confidence, we could do the same. He loved passing this on to his grandkids as well by organizing little building projects whenever he saw them. We will miss his advice and long-winded explanations. But most of all, we will miss his gentle kindness and thoughtfulness.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Grace, and brother Robin. He is survived by his sisters, Roxie Cooper and Sandi Alexander; his children, Jacob and Sarah, and four grandchildren, Quinn, Becks, Nolan, and his obvious favorite, Sonja.

We love you, Dad. Play a round up there for us.

There was a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Mission Mountain Golf Club, 46664 Golf Course Way, Ronan. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.