Richard Charnell

Richard “Pete” Charnell, age 56 of Randolph, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 14, 2019.

Richard Orvin was born on August 13, 1962 in Saint Paul, MN, the son of Richard A. and Jean A. (Manley) Charnell. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1980 and went on to serve with the US Navy. He served from 1980 until his honorable discharge in 1986. In 1996, he went to work in the warehouse for US Food Service, and in 2006, received his Class A driver’s license from Dakota County Technical College. He then started driving semi and doing deliveries for US Food Service.

He was married to Robin (Ziemer) Holm on June 22, 1996 in Northfield.

He was active in the Cannon Falls Veterans Honor Guard and American Legion. He loved decorating the outside of his house for Christmas and came to be known as “the Christmas light guy.” His greatest accomplishment in golf was a hole in one. His greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Robin; son, Joshua (Leah) Holm of Northfield; daughter, Jessica (Dustin) Woodruffe of Douglasville, GA; granddaughter, Jaycie Woodruffe; three grandsons, Jeffery and Brycen Holm, and Dylan Woodruffe; his parents, Jean and Bob Beckman of Cannon Falls; brothers and sisters, John (Judy) Charnell of Dundas, Colleen Charnell of Cannon Falls, Bryce (Bernadette) Beckman of Mankato, and Angie (Dwayne) Vinson of Sioux Falls, SD.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard A. Charnell; grandparents, Mary and Gustav Charnell and Milford and Gladys Manley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. A time of sharing will be at 6:00 p.m.

Interment with military honors will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.