Charles Edward DeLeeuw was born in Mankato, MN, on June 10, 1958, to Dutch and Lillian (Mott) DeLeeuw, the fifth born of six children. He spent his early growing up years in Lake Crystal, MN. Charlie lost his left arm at the age of 13 in a hunting accident on October 2, 1971. His family moved to Rapid City, SD, in June of 1972, just days after the Rapid City flood.

After high school, he moved back to Mankato, MN, where he met Debbie Dahlen and they were married April 18, 1980. Charlie and Debbie raised two children, Heather Dawn and Thomas Charles. They moved to Rapid City in 1982 and have lived in the Black Hills area ever since. Charlie worked as a mechanic and truly enjoyed working at Angel Brothers.

Charlie's favorite things included riding his motorcycle, drag racing, Ford and Coca-Cola collectibles, filling his garage with tools and projects, listening to gospel music, researching war history, going to movies, and serving his family. Charlie lived an extreme life that didn't always agree with the "norm," but he lived big and with joy.

Charlie, 59, died unexpectedly Sunday, November 5, 2017, at his home in Piedmont.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, Heather; son, Thomas; three sisters, Mary DeLeeuw (Harlan Christianson), Barb (Steve) Dreyer, and Karen (Tom) Whitehead; and the two shining stars of his life, grandsons, Owen and Shaughn. Gramps, we will miss your jolly laugh.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill; and sister, Joyce.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2017, at the Fountain Springs Church, 2100 N Plaza Drive, Rapid City. Burial will follow at the Nemo Cemetery.