Charles Richard Stowell, a beloved figure in Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away on November 5, 2025, during the largest supermoon of the year. He was in hospice care at the Mayo Clinic, where he had received treatment for cancer over the past two years. Stowell, affectionately known as Chuck, was 74 years old at the time of his death.
Born on December 9, 1950, in Albert Lea, Chuck was the youngest of five children in the Stowell family. He spent his entire life at the same residence on South Broadway, except for a four-year period in the U.S. Navy. As the youngest sibling, he often referred to his older brothers and sisters as “the kids,” a testament to his cherished position in the family.
Chuck led an active and adventurous life, engaging in hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and playing baseball. He also developed a keen interest in electronics and high-performance motorcycles, earning a nickname as “Bushwhacker” on his Citizen Band radio. His love for sports extended to baseball, where he enjoyed playing with friends and his older brother, and he was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Twins. A highlight of his life was attending the 1965 World Series game, where the Twins triumphed over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1969, Chuck enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1970 to 1974. His two years stationed in Germany as a radio communications specialist were marked by his participation on the base softball team. He later served aboard the missile destroyer USS Luce.
Following his military service, Chuck returned to Albert Lea and joined his family’s business, Warren Wholesale, Inc., where he worked for an impressive 50 years. His dedication to the company allowed him to take pride in providing thousands of custom pre-hung doors and windows to homeowners and businesses across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
Chuck is survived by his brother Warren Tom Stowell (Linda), sisters Mary, Diane, and Dorothy (Bill), along with numerous nephews, nieces, and great-grandchildren. His family has expressed profound gratitude for the care he received at the Mayo Clinic, acknowledging the support during his courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service to celebrate Chuck’s life will take place at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on November 15 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In honor of his memory, the family encourages donations to the church.
Chuck Stowell was not only a devoted family member but also a vibrant community presence. His passion for life and love for his family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
