NEW ULM–Charles R. Neitzel, age 89, of New Ulm, died Monday, January 19, 2026, at his home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, with Pastor Nathan Scharf officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; daughter, Katherine and her husband Greg; and granddaughters, Elisabeth, Lauren, and Alexandra, and her husband Ben, and Marquette Brandner and her husband Chase and their son Liam.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Doug Neitzel; and brothers, Dan and Robert Neitzel.

Charles Ronald Neitzel was born on January 12, 1937, in Redwood Falls, MN, to Charles W. & Edna (Christiansen) Neitzel. Charlie was a lifelong farmer who came from generations of farmers. He grew up in the country, northwest of Morgan, MN, and fell in love with farming at an early age while helping his father grow corn and soybeans and raise cattle, geese and pigs.

Charlie attended country school through the 6th grade and graduated from Morgan High School, where he was part of the band, choir, and football team.

Charlie earned a football scholarship to South Dakota State University but a knee injury kept him from playing much. He transferred to the University of Minnesota, and graduated with a degree in agricultural economics. During his studies in Minneapolis, he met fellow Gopher Elaine Chinander, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage together.

In addition to farming, Charlie was active in agribusiness ventures. He held leadership positions on Minnesota soybean and edible bean boards and won conservation awards for his farming practices. He was interested in genealogy, reading, world travel, and German culture and heritage. He was also an expert practical joker and prankster, sometimes to the dismay of family and friends. Charlie was a man of deep faith. He loved God and his church, and over the years he gave generously to local WELS churches and schools. Charlie cherished his granddaughters and loved spending time with them and making them laugh.

Charlie will be missed by all those who knew him.

Blessed be his memory.

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