Charles Edward Daugherty, age 95, lived his life in Fountain, Minnesota, before passing away at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minnesota.
A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Preston, Minnesota, with Pastor Paul Hauschild officiating. A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. for one hour prior to the start of the service. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.
Charles “Chuck” Daugherty was born on May 30, 1931, to Cecil and Alice (Little) Daugherty in Lime Springs, Iowa. He attended school in Fountain, Minnesota, then graduated from Preston High School in Preston, Minnesota. Shortly after high school, Chuck enlisted in the United States Army, where he served during the Korean War. After the Army, he married Marie Koperski. They later divorced. In July 1990, Chuck married Charlotte Stailey (Vrieze). They were together until her passing on September 7, 2007.
From an early age, Chuck was a milk hauler around town. He first started on just a bike with three baskets, then graduated to a bike and wagon, then his ‘34 Ford Coupe as well as a horse and sleigh to deliver the milk. After hauling milk, be became a mechanic. He worked as a mechanic for 33 years, including time working for Les Gunderson in Fountain, Minnesota, and also the Ford Garage in Spring Valley and Gunderson Motors in Preston. He was passionate about cars, especially Ford and Pontiac. He also enjoyed riding horses, going to garage sales, and shooting guns. But most of all, he loved his family. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart.
Charles is survived by his son Brian (Deanna) Daugherty of Balch Springs, Texas, son Barry (Kris) Daugherty of Fountain, Minnesota, daughter-in-law Leann Daugherty of Rochester, Minnesota, stepdaughter Terri Allen (Scott Fingerson) of Fountain, Minnesota, stepson Todd Stailey of Chatfield, Minnesota, sister-in-law Judy Halvorson Smith of Warrensburg, Missouri, John (Darlene) Vrieze of Eagan, Minnesota, four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlotte, sons Craig and Brent, and step-brother Lawrence Smith.
Family would like to thank the Chosen Valley Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for taking good care of Chuck and making him feel like family.
Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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