Charles "Chuck" Risch
July 9, 1949 ~ October 14, 2019
Charles "Chuck" R. Risch, 70, Fargo passed away Monday, October 14, 2019 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Chuck was born July 9, 1949 in Crookston, MN to Robert and Pauline (Thygeson) Risch. He graduated from Dilworth High School in 1967. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1968, serving during the Vietnam war. He has 20 + years of service as a US Marine and in the North Dakota Army National Guard where he earned the rank of Sergeant Major. After his retirement from the Armed Forces, he worked as a Benefits Counselor at the Fargo Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and taking the occasional trip to the casino. His summers were spent at the family cabin on Union Lake and he enjoyed spending time with his friends at his local AMVETS (American Veterans of Fargo). He was a dedicated father and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children; Chris Risch, Allen Risch, Erica (Chris) McCray, Brian (Jenny) Risch, grandchildren; Bonnie, Hunter, Madison, Kaden, Tharin, Sharlotte, Bo, sister; Judy Hakala, nieces; Jennifer, Rylee and McKayla Kraft.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and brother, James "Jim" Risch.
The burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at a later date.
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CHUCK WAS A VERY GREAT FRIEND! HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY! THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR CHUCK IN HIS FAMILY!
I was so shocked when I heard Chuck passed away.I have so many memories from school days and growing up as neighbors. My Deepest Sympathy to Judy and Jim and families.
We had many good times together the years we were in the ND National Guard.
My love and sympathies.
I worked with Charles while i was stationed in Bismarck with the Guard, sorry for your loss, may god grant you peace and serenity.
Chuck will truly be missed he was a wonderful man who helped my uncle get his veterans benefits he deserved. I was lucky to have known chuck for many years. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace chuck.
May God be with your family and friends in this most difficult time- Rest In Peace Chuck!
I will miss the fun nature and ribbing of Chuck
My condolences to the Risch family. Chuck was a mentor to me when I first started my full-time military career in Recruiting and Retention. I still have my first rifle that I purchased from Chuck. We hunted in the badlands for deer and also fished in a few fishing tournaments up at the big lake. Chuck was known for his expertise in military protocols. God Speed. Russ (Bucky) Buchholz
I served under Sergeant Major Chuck Risch as a Retention NCO in the ND National Guard. He was the ultimate people person and set a great example for his staff, and it was my good fortune to be his friend. It was due to Chuck’s guidance and encouragement that enabled me to achieve the rank of Warrant Officer.
I am saddened by Chuck’s passing and I wish to extend my condolences to Chuck’s family.
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He was a truly good man.
My condolences to Chuck’s family … He was such a fun fella to joke with about football rivalries. He will be missed. I hope for your peace and comfort as you go forward.
Thank you for posting this awesome tribute video of Chuck. I served with him the the NDARNG. He was a great soldier and one that I respected while I served with him. He had a kind heart and an infectious sense of humor, smile and laugh. He cared about everyone he came in contact with at all times. He will be missed by those who knew him. Prayers and thoughts to his family and his many friends. Heaven has received a man who has impacted many.
I am so sorry to hear of SGM Chuck Risch passing. I was lucky enough to work with him for a short period of time with the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was a great mentor and friend! My condolences go out to his entire family!
CHUCK WAS SO MUCH FUN TO BE AROUND. A TRULY WONDERFUL CARING PERSON.
THE AMVETS WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM. SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY.
REST IN PEACE CHUCK.
The Sergeant Major was a dedicated and innovative manager of the Retention forces of the NDARNG. His legacy lives on in the continued success in Strength Management of today’s forces. I will never forget that Chuck was a true “Straight Arrow”.
I still remember the day you realized Rod and I were your neighbors. How much grief you have me for living there. lol. Was great to know a neighbor/friend/AmVet member that you could joke with and have fun with in the neighborhood. The last time I think I saw you was at the VFW picnic a year ago and you still have me grief even tho you had moved long ago. I thank you for your service and your friendship and may you rest in peace.
We were sorry to hear about Chuck’s passing. He was one of a kind. Semper Fi my friend.
Erica and Brian and Loa and all of the family: My thoughts and prayers are with you
for your loss. He had a beautiful family and people that loved him to the end. Your video
is a beautiful memorial to his life and his family.
Chuck was a friend I made when I began working at Fraine Barracks for the NDARNG in the late 80’s.
He was the one who organized the deer hunting trips to the Badlands and the fishing tournaments on the big lake. The competition was always fierce but fun! Rest in peace.
Chuck will forever be in our hearts and souls, never forgotten, all that met him and knew him were blessed. Heaven is a better place now……….God help us cure ALL cancer. Amen
Was glad to get to know Chuck through my work with him at the National Guard and a visitor to O’Briens Travern along with his good friend Ron Bertsch when I was dealing blackjack. I was so sorry to see his obituary. Such a fun and very handsome man! Prayers to the family…
I worked with Chuck for some time while in the Guard and have good memories of the time. Time passes — things change — memories last. God Bless.
My sympathies to the family, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Chuck!
Chuck was a beautiful soul during his years in Frazee, MN. Just so your family knows, he was very popular! I personally had a crush on this very handsome guy! I wish they would have stayed in Frazee as we all loved Jim and Chuck! And, there was cute little Judy! So sorry for your loss. Wonderful memories!!