Charles ‘Chuck’ Silker, 76, Wabasha

 Charles “Chuck” Silker, age 76, of Wabasha, was pronounced dead at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha after collapsing at home on Sunday, June 28, 2015. He was born December 5, 1938 in Rochester, the son of Carroll and Rose (Rollie) Silker. He was a graduate of Rochester High School. He married Sharon Horwith May 9, 1962 in Miller Beach, IN. From 1962-1964 he served his country in the U.S. Army in Okinawa. Following his service years the couple moved to Wabasha in 1964 where they purchased the Dairy Queen, operating the store until selling in 1969. Chuck also worked at the Big Jo Flour Mill in Wabasha during this time. He then worked 17 years at DiAcro in Lake City until it closed. He then worked for Gould Battery and Federal Mogul beginning in 1987. He retired in 2004.
 Chuck was an avid fly fisherman, fishing the Mississippi River as well as lakes in the area, northern Wisconsin and the western United States. He enjoyed making and selling his flies for his passion. He also was an accomplished wildlife photographer.
 He is survived by his wife, Sharon Silker, Wabasha, MN; sons, Chris Silker (Brent Maulsby), Winona, MN, Curt Silker (Jessica Arens), Wabasha, MN; three grandchildren, Collin Silker, Ayden Hovda-Silker and Hannah Silker; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents, Carroll and Rose Silker, two sisters, Mary Ellen Silker and LaVonne Butts and one brother, Vernon Silker.
 His body will be cremated. A time to celebrate Chuck’s life and extend sympathies to his family will be on Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 5-8pm at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha. No services will be held. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com