Charles D. Sikonia

HARLINGENG, Texas - Charles D. Sikonia, 88, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2016, at an assisted living facility in Harlingeng.

He was born in Ironwood, on Dec. 30, 1927, son of the late Carl and Mary Sikonia of Erwin Township. Lived in Erwin Township, attended Erwin Central School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1945.

​Charles, known as Chuck, is survived by his wife Marilyn (Brennan) of 14 years; brother, William (Susanne), of Ironwood; nephews, Bill Sikonia, of Wausau, Wis., Steven (Sharon) Sikonia, of Oxnard, Calif., Bob (Dawn) Sikonia, of Ironwood, and Greg Sikonia, of Chanhassen, Minn., niece-in-law, Valerie Sikonia, of Chesapeake, Va .; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Theresea, Elizabeth, Kristen, Scott, Steven, Connor and Evan.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mary Sikonia; his first wife, Ann (Batisto), Saint Paul, Minn .; nephew, Carl Sikonia, Chesapeake; and great-nephew, Kevin Sikonia, Chesapeake.

Chuck enlisted on May 3, 1946, in the U.S. Army's Mechanized Cavalry, and attended The Michigan College of Mining and Engineering (Michigan Technological University) while in the service. After enlistment, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for a short while, but was recalled for active duty during the Korean Conflict, where he served at general headquarters in Japan.

After active duty, Chuck returned to the Postal Service working on mail trains in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. He completed his career as a post office supervisor in St. Paul. Alongside his career, Chuck always kept busy with full time jobs as a police officer, operating a service station, and managing an apartment building he owned - all while living in Saint Paul.

During retirement, Chuck had many hobbies that he loved, primarily traveling and camping in his motorhome where he could visit family and friends on a regular basis. He also served on the Rifle Squad at Fort Snelling National Cemetery for more than 20 years and delivered meals on wheels to people who were homebound due to age or disability. Chuck believed in his family and was very generous in helping them succeed. He will be missed by all, and his inspiration, friendship, love and support will hold a place in our hearts always.

Out of respect for Chuck's wishes, a cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling, Minn., near his parents at a later date.