Charles “Chuck” Dvorak passed away on his beloved farm in Lyndon Station on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with his wife, Donna, by his side. Always a fighter, at age 85 he had won all of his matches until this final brief bout with a very aggressive cancer. With the care of his devoted wife of 40 years and the amazing team at SSM Dean Hospice, Chuck’s final days were comfortable enough that he could host an endless stream of loving visitors. Chuck maintained his unique sense of humor through the end.  When the nurse asked which finger to prick for a blood glucose reading, he smiled and said “yours”.

Chuck grew up on Madison’s east side where he was known as a bit of a wild sort (with an aversion to metered parking on the Capitol Square). As a teen, he developed a love for hunting and fishing at the cabin he built with his father in Sprague, WI. 

Chuck was a firm believer that 20 one-pound northerns were just as good as 1 twenty-pounder. This was perfectly fine until he got so old that you were the one taking 20 fish off the hook for him.  Although he loved deer hunting, he didn’t love patience. Therefore, small bucks were always at high risk.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, Chuck began his career as a teacher for developmentally disabled children in rural Wisconsin.  Chuck would try to wear the face of Johnny Cash, but in truth he had the heart of Dolly Parton.  He could never stand to see suffering or sadness.  Many family weekends were joined by students of his that benefitted from a break in their difficult lives at home.
 

Relationships have their ups and downs and Chuck’s were no different.  Fortunately, for the kind at heart, difficulty fades quickly. Chuck was blessed to be part of two very loving families in his lifetime. With Nancy, he raised Cheryl, Charlie and Carl. With Donna, he was lucky enough to gain two more children in Debbie and John. They also shared their home with their foster daughter Tori and Carol through respite care. The children all enjoy extended family get-togethers and experiences to this day. Chuck and Donna’s love carried all the way through to his final moments. 

Chuck loved his farm and befriended any deer that wandered into the yard.  He enjoyed evening UTV drives where he would just park and talk to his pet deer who awaited him at stops along the route.  He was also recognized by several local groups for his work on habitat preservation.

Animals were a passion and he adopted pretty much anything that wouldn’t run away: injured deer, geese and the occasional owl.  He’d always nurse them back to health and send them on their way…except the goose.  Sassy Butt firmly believed she owned the farm and tormented (tried to evict) the family for years.  
 

Chuck was as kind to people as he was to animals.  If he ever thought he could help, he would.  Chuck helped many people who needed a break in life.  He set a wonderful example that continues on through multiple generations.    

Chuck was a firm believer that Canada should become the 51st state (not for any geopolitical or strategic reason, just that the fishing there was way better and it would be nice to avoid waiting in line at the border).  In his third act of life, Chuck enjoyed many Canadian fly-in fishing trips with his sons, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  Most recently, he made several visits to the islands in Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake. Last year, his grandson Charlie Jr. even packed up his favorite recliner and took it across the border so that he could still participate in comfort.

An artist and a poet, Chuck created works of art that grace the walls of many of his family and friends’ homes. He could memorialize any shared experience simply by painting an old shovel, broken paddle or piece of barn board.  A favorite scene hangs in the Amish cabin of the 5 wildfires that surrounded their group on Favourable Lake during one of the Canadian fly-ins. Plus who could ever forget the depth and weight of his classic poems such as “Charlie Became a Plumber” or his most famous work - “Randy Raymond Saw a Bear”.  

Chuck was father to a few, grandfather to many, great-grandfather to even more, and finally great-great grandfather to one lucky little baby girl.  He was and forever will be “Grandpa Chuck” to all of us. 

The best lives are the hardest ones to lose.  Grandpa Chuck, you were the best and you will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Alice Dvorak (Holverson), his first wife Nancy Dvorak (Lewis) and daughter in law Karen Dvorak (Miller).

 Chuck is survived by his wife Donna (Hinze), his children Cheryl and Greg (McIntire), Charlie, Carl and Theresa (Willan), Debbie Sale (Kowalke), John Kowalke and his many grandchildren.

For anyone looking to contribute in his honor, please consider donating to TheArc.org, Friends of the Necedah Wildlife Refuge (friendsofnnwr.org), or simply lend a hand to someone who could use a bit of help.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1400 8th Street, Reedsburg, WI 53959. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. A brief committal will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery (4182 Mirror Lake Road, Baraboo, WI), then a noon luncheon back at the church.  Attendees are welcome to attend the brief committal or enjoy fellowship at the church before the luncheon begins.  Please feel welcome to join any part or all of the service as you are able.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.