Charles Chilson

Webster, SD: Charles “Chuck” Chilson, 85, of Webster, SD passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Private memorial service will be on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and those in attendance are asked to wear a mask.

Walk through memorial visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2020 from 5-7 P.M. at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster. fiksdalfuneral.com.

Lifetime Webster resident Charles Herman “Chuck” Chilson was born May 29, 1935 in Webster SD to Herman and Agnes (Hanson) Chilson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church in Webster. Chuck attended Webster schools and graduated from Webster high school in 1953. He received a business degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD in 1957. During college and beyond he was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. He returned to Webster to join his father in the family business, The Elevator Store. While at Augustana College he met Virginia Kostman and they were married on June 27, 1958. The couple made their home in Webster whereas a businessman he was very active in many community activities. Two children were born to the couple, Carol Jeannine on Sept 17, 1961, and David Charles on July 7, 1964.

After his father’s retirement in 1971 Chuck became the president of the Elevator Store. During this time he was a member and president of Midwest stores, a buying office in Minneapolis. The Elevator Store was a member of the South Dakota Retailers Association of which Chuck was president and awarded SD Retailer of the Year. He served on various boards: Sun Dial Manor, Ft. Sisseton State Park, Webster Development Corporation, Webster Chamber of commerce past president, Kiwanis, Jaycee state officer. Chuck was a 50 plus year Mason, a member of the Shriners, and a Jester.

After the Elevator Store closed in 1993 Chuck worked part time as a boat salesman for Dave’s Marine. Chuck and Virginia moved to Pickerel Lake and wintered in Arizona. He sold boats until 2006 and remarked that every day was an adventure.

Chuck was a lifelong member of St John’s church. He served on the church council, taught Sunday school, ushered and was a choir member.

He enjoyed collecting and appraising coins, hunting, antique and classic cars, living on Pickerel Lake, and boating.

Chuck is survived by his wife Virginia, his daughter Carol (Tony) Simons of Brooklyn Park, MN, son David of Fayetteville, AR. Grandchildren Brandon (Amber) Ness of Mankato MN, and Dr. Cody (Kelsey) Ness of Sioux Falls SD. Step grandchildren Nick Simons of New Ulm MN, and Stephanie Simons and Karl Schaumann of St. Paul, MN. Great grandchildren Connor Ness and Easton Ness of Mankato MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Agnes Chilson and sister Joan Iverson.