Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, rural Lake Andes with military honors. Visitation will be 12-4 p.m. Wednesday at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner and then at the church from 5 to 7, followed by a rosary/wake service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of the arrangements.

Charles Fuchs saddled up and made his last ride to his heavenly home on the evening of October 1, 2017. Charlie passed peacefully in the company of many who loved him.

Charles Fuchs was born September 21, 1930 to Anton and Cecilia (Petrik) Fuchs, he was the second of three children. Charlie grew up in Lake Andes where he attended White Swan School #7 school until the eighth grade when he stayed home to help work the farm. Charlie was drafted and served in the Army in the Korean War from 1952-1954, when he was honorably discharged. Charlie had a skillful eye for cattle and horses, no doubt, knowing just how to pick em'. Although he could pick livestock and cropland with the best of them, Charlie, of his own admission, outdid himself in choosing a bride. Charlie, while in the service in 1952, met Alice Mae Schmitz, the love of his life, while she was working at Pete's Cafe in Lake Andes. Charlie never met a piece of fried chicken he didn't like, and no one could cook it quite like Alice; a match made in heaven some might say. They were married December 18, 1952 and after Charlie completed his time in the service, they returned home to work the family farm.Charlie made his living growing crops and corralling cattle, but made his legacy growing sons and corralling grandkids. Charlie loved spending time with his family, whether at home with Jim, at Abby's with Dick, or on the farm with Steve. Charlie and Alice enjoyed square dancing, going as many as five times a week. Anyone who knew Charlie was aware of his love for riding and breaking horses; Rocket, Jake, and Daisy to name a few. Stories have been told of Charlie even bridling a cow and riding home from the pasture! Although Charlie and Alice moved to Pickstown in 1994, Charlie never lost his passion for the farm, helping Steve farm all the way until 2016. His favorite work in the field was running the combine. Charlie never stopped working, even when he retired. Charlie worked for ten years in Pickstown as a maintenance man, mowing and keeping the town clean. One of Charlie's favorite pastimes was playing cards at Abby's with the guys. His biggest thrill was "setting someone" in pitch, which earned him the nickname "Rattlesnake". Charlie enjoyed going to town to get things, even if it took two trips for something as small as a bolt. Charlie also enjoyed spending time with his friend Elly the dog, they took many naps together. Charlie was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post #282. From their union Charlie and Alice had three sons; Jim, Yankton, Dick (Patricia) of Pickstown and Steve (Kathy) of Lake Andes. Charlie and Alice were also proud of their numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Charlie is also survived by his sister Carol Tolliver (Wagner).

Charlie looked forward to reuniting with his wife Alice, his parents Anton and Cecelia, and his brother Tony.

Charlie had a contagious smile and could always be counted on for a word of wisdom when you needed one. Charlie poured his life into building his family like a wise master carpenter, and though now we won't see him for a little while, he died with the sweet assurance that the house he built will stand.