CHARLES HENRY VANDE VELDE, age 74, of Kenneth, died Sunday, September 3, 2006, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, in Luverne. He was born September 6, 1931, in Luverne, to Henry and Louise (Anderson) Vande Velde. Chuck attended grade school in Kenneth and graduated from Luverne High School in 1950. In high school, he was an outstanding football player and track star, holding track records many years after graduation. Chuck attended Luther College where he played football until he entered the United States Army. He served his country in the Korean War. After his discharge, Chuck returned to college until he came back to Kenneth to help his father run Vande Velde Hardware and Implement business. Chuck married Clare Melcher on May 20, 1961, at St. Martin Catholic Church, in Woodstock. He continued to operate the hardware store until ill health forced him to retire. He was a lifelong member of Kenneth Lutheran Church where he held several offices and was a member of the church choir. Chuck was a member of the City of Kenneth Council for more than thirty years; a long time member of the Kenneth Fire Department; a life time member of the Luverne VFW; and the Hardwick Legion where he was a past commander and held various other offices. He was also Chairman of the Board of the State Bank of Kenneth. Chuck?s hobbies included hunting, fishing, and trap shooting until poor health caused him to stop. He courageously fought ALS, Lou Gehrig?s disease, for more than ten years losing his ability to walk & talk. Chuck is survived by his wife, Clare Vande Velde, Kenneth; four children and their spouses, Susan & Brad Skattum, Magnolia; Monica & Gary Cross, Lennox, SD; Greg & Connie Vande Velde, Luverne; and Paul & Amy Vande Velde, Lead, SD; nine grandchildren, Allyson & Taylor Vande Velde, Chelsie, Isaac & Elliott Aanenson, Tanner & Dylan Skattum, and Wyatt & Walker Vande Velde; sister, Dolores Pederson, North Branch; brother, Harris Van Develde, Minneapolis; nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. His parents preceded him in death. Blessed Be His Memory.