Charles (Chuck, Charlie) William Kientop, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home in the Town of Chase, (Pulaski, Wisconsin). Charles was the firstborn son of Ervin and Lillian (Liska) Kientop, born on December 31, 1938, in Charles City, Iowa. His family later moved to the Twin Cities, and then to Ogilvie, Minnesota, where they farmed for many years.  He attended county school and graduated from Ogilvie High School in 1956.

Charles was active in his community, exemplifying his leadership and faith.  He guided young men as a Boy Scout Leader in Rochelle, Illinois. He also served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Patrick's Church in Rochelle, and also served in various ministries at Assumption B.V.M. Parish in Pulaski for the past 45 years.  He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Bona Council #4439, Pulaski, an enthusiastic volunteer at the Pulaski Historical Society Museum, St. Vincent De Paul, and worked many hours helping with various activities and support functions for Pulaski's Polka Days celebrations. A true gentleman, his warm smile and sense of humor, and his can-do attitude made an impact on those who came to know him and experience his goodness.

Charles married the love of his life, Darlene Mae Gordhamer, on September 19, 1959, at St. Kathryn's Church in Ogilvie, Minnesota.  Charles and Darlene attended the University of Minnesota, where he graduated on June 6, 1960, with a B.S. in the College of Agriculture.  Charles worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Services, as a Meat Grader for 37 years.  Charles and Darlene were transferred to many locations during his training years, including Baltimore, Omaha, Chicago, and then to Rochelle, Illinois, where they lived for 13 years.  The couple was blessed with six children.  In 1976, they received their final transfer to the duty station of Green Bay, where Charlie and Darlene purchased their farm near Pulaski, Wisconsin. Charles retired in 1998. He then focused on his farm, travels with his wife to Hawaii, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Mexico, and throughout the United States to see his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Darlene; his children: Randall Kientop, Gregory (Margaret) Kientop, Kerry Anne (Matthew) Krueger, Angela (Chris) Navara, and Stephen (Deb) Kientop.  He was further blessed with 12 grandchildren; Derek (Cara) Krueger, Stephanie (Gage) Trader, Ryan (Kayla) Krueger, Adam Navara, Joshua (Jessica) Kientop, Scout Kientop (Michael), Rachel Navara, Michael Krueger (Fiancé Alex Selby), Quinn Kientop, Reed Kientop, Natalya Kientop, and Blake Kientop.  His brother, Jim (Terry) Kientop, his sister, Sue (Harvey) Kadlec, brother-in-law, Larry (Carol) Gordhamer, and sister-in-law, Betty Jo Williams, and cousin-in-law, Jim Kayes. Charles celebrated the growth of his family with the glorious addition of three great-granddaughters: Pearl Krueger, Allyria Kientop, and June Krueger.

He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Kientop; his parents, Ervin and Lillian Kientop; in-laws, Maurice and Elvera Gordhamer; brothers in-law: Eugene Gordhamer and Jim Williams, and cousin-in-law, Joyce Kayes.

Charles was blessed with many beloved nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of lasting friendships.

He enjoyed hunting, forestry preservation, family history, photography, literature, biblical studies, and everything ice cream.

Friends are invited to gather with the family at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski after 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 19 ^th . The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the parish Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Assumption-BVM-St-Stanislaus-St-Casimir-Parish-Family-89119956934

The family extends their most sincere thank you to 911 Call Center Staff, Oconto County Sheriff's Department and Tri-County Rescue, as well as the Medical Examiner for their assistance through those difficult hours.  We pray for you all as you serve our communities in times of need. We also pray for continued blessings on Marnocha Funeral Home for the love, compassion, and respect they have provided our family, and pray to continually keep them strong in their service to others.

Online condolences may be offered to the Kientop family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.