Charles Gilbert Soley

Charles Gilbert Soley, 92 years old died peacefully on July 20, 2023 at Oak Terrance Assisted Living in North Mankato. Charles was born January 2, 1931. He was the last of nine children born to Gilbert and Rose Soley. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1950.

He met his wife Lillian Ann Schultz from Ceylon, MN at a roller-skating center in Mankato. They married in 1952 and started their family on Hubbell Ave in Mankato. After his police force retirement they moved to the Candi Lane home in North Mankato.

Charles was a first responder having served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 12 years. He was a patrolman for the Mankato police force and ambulance driver for over 20 years. Charles worked as water patrol Sheriff for Blue Earth county for 5 years and also worked full time for Corporate Graphics in North Mankato for over 20 years until he officially retired at age 85. Chuck enjoyed young people, and outdoor life with his family at their cabin on Lake Washington. He had countless memories of fishing trips and laughter with his kids. He liked fishing but not cleaning or eating them.

Chuck was a Twins and Viking fan. He was the everlasting pitcher in the backyard on Hubbell Ave. for his kids and neighborhood friends. When Dad played it was always more fun with no arguments. He also enjoyed dancing at the Kato Ballroom.

Charles is survived by his wife Lillian (Schultz) Soley of 70 years together. Five children: Diana Pederson (Robert), Custer, SD; Joni (Wade) Krist, Buffalo, WY; Steven (Debra) Soley, Mankato, MN; Scott (Lori) Soley, Tucson, AZ; Joe Soley (special friend Sherry), Schofield, WI. Four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, brother and sister in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
A kind and gentle man of few words and funny one-liners, will be greatly missed by family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace with his Savior.

Memorial service will be 11: 00 a.m., Friday, September 15, 2023 at Woodland Hills Funeral Home, 1605 Woodland Ave, Mankato, MN 56001.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Woodland Hills.

Memorials and cards can be mailed to: Lillian Soley and Family, 1806 Candi Lane, North Mankato, MN 56003.

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