Charles Raymond Brau age 80 of St. Olaf, Iowa, formerly of Lucan, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 in Postville, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 20 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan.  Visitation is one hour prior to services.  Burial is in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charles Raymond Brau was born February 20, 1937 in Lucan, Minnesota to Otto and Caroline (Gorres) Brau.  He was baptized and confirmed­­­­­­­­­­­ at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.  Chuck attended Wabasso Public School.  On November 26, 1957, he married Norma Jean Suess at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.  Chuck enjoyed the outdoors and spent lots of time camping, fishing and he also loved sitting in his cabin watching birds, turkeys and deer with his favorite sidekick Max.  He liked to tinker around and enjoyed building birdhouses and restoring old things, including homes.  Chuck took great pride in his garden and yard and had a terrific green thumb, which lead him to his long-time career in agriculture.  He was known for grilling the best steaks and was definitely the partner you wanted in 10-point-schmere.  Chuck and Norma spent many great winters in Texas with their friends and enjoyed taking each of their grandkids on vacation when they were little.  He loved sharing his childhood stories with his family and loved to tell a good joke.

Charles is survived by his wife Norma­­­; children: Curt Brau, Brenda (Brad) Hoth, Deb (Todd) Mielke, Kathy Brau, Kim (Tony) Gibson and Jason Brau; grandchildren: Melanie Murphy, Matt Brau, Jen Pudenz, Brett Hoth, Kelly Shaw, Chad Hoth, Brandi Evanson, Tara Sautter, A.J. Gibson and Allie Gibson; great grandchildren: Tate, Colin, Mya, Brekken, Jade, Jack, Alex, Wade, Ashley, Autumn, Kaylee, Brayden, Rylan, Lainee, Erynn, Finley, Aliyah, Alivia, Garett and Harper; sisters: Lavonne Portner and Audrey Portner.  He is preceded in death by his parents, son Dean, brother Kenneth and loyal companion Max.