Charles Richard Stowell, a beloved member of the Albert Lea community, passed away on November 5, 2025, during the largest supermoon of the year. He died in hospice care in Rochester, Minnesota after a courageous battle with cancer, drawing the support and love of family and friends throughout his life.
Born on December 9, 1950, Charles was the youngest of five children to Warren and Irene Stowell. He spent his entire life at the same address on South Broadway in Albert Lea, except for a four-year period during his service in the U.S. Navy. Growing up, he fondly referred to his siblings as “the kids,” a testament to his position as the baby of the family.
Life and Legacy
Charles, affectionately known as Chuck, enjoyed a diverse range of interests. He was an active boy scout and had a passion for hunting and fishing. He also had a keen interest in electronics and was known as “Bushwhacker” on his Citizen Band (CB) radio. His love for sports was evident as he played baseball with friends and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins. A highlight of his life was attending the 1965 World Series game where the Twins triumphed over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 1969, Chuck graduated from Albert Lea High School before enlisting in the Navy. He served from 1970 to 1974, initially stationed in Germany as a radio communications specialist, where he also played on the base’s softball team. Later, he served aboard the missile destroyer USS Luce.
Upon returning to Albert Lea, Chuck joined his family business, Warren Wholesale, Inc., where he worked for the next 50 years. He took pride in crafting thousands of custom pre-hung doors and windows for homeowners and businesses across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, showcasing his dedication and craftsmanship.
Community Impact and Memorial Service
Chuck is survived by his brother Warren Tom (Linda), sisters Mary, Diane, and Dorothy (Bill), along with numerous nieces and nephews. His family describes him as truly loved and someone who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Mayo Clinic community for the exceptional care he received during his battle with cancer over the past two years. In his memory, a memorial service will take place at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with visitation starting one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the church in honor of Chuck.
Charles Richard Stowell’s legacy as a devoted family member, friend, and contributor to the Albert Lea community will continue to resonate for years to come.
