STURGIS - Charles Edward Vansickel, 85, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2008, at his residence in Sturgis, after a lengthy illness with cancer.

Charles was born at Tama, SD, on Oct. 16, 1922, to Oscar and Juanita (Lehman) Vansickel. He attended Tama School and graduated from Sturgis High School in 1940. He ranched with his parents near Opal. On June 29, 1946, he and Hazel Short were united in marriage in Broadus, MT. Charles and Hazel ranched with his parents, while sometimes making their home in a sheep wagon. They purchased his Uncle Roy's ranch in 1947, near Opal and moved into their home where the twins joined them. There they raised their family of three daughters and two sons. He helped establish the Opal Community Hall, Opal Fire Department and served on the Howell, Lemmon Butte and Opal School board for 16 years. Charles enjoyed and worked hard on the ranch. He liked spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Grandpa's four-wheeler rides were a hit. He walked many miles with a grandchild in his arms.

Blessed with sharing Charles' life are his wife, Hazel; three daughters, Judy (Ronald) Joens, Black Hawk, Janet Vansickel and Marie Vansickel, both of Sturgis; one son, Charles "Chuck" Vansickel, Opal; three grandchildren, Edward (Lora) Joens and Sammi Vogel, both of Black Hawk, and Danelle Vogel, Gillette, WY; five great-grandchildren, Selena Vogel, Donald, Heather and Jessica Joens, of Black Hawk, and Kylan Kanard, Gillette; and one brother, Norman (McGee) Vansickel of Spearfish.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Merle.

Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Harold Delbridge and the Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills, First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, and the Delbridge ministry.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.