Charles A. Lietzau, 85, of rural Lake Lillian passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at his home. Memorial Service was Friday, June 27, 2025, 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos with interment in church cemetery.
 Clergy Officiating: Pastor Sarah Jones; Organist: Austin Willhite; Congregational Hymns: “This is My Father’s World”, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, “When Peace Like a River”, “Go My Children”, “As You go on Your Way”, “Praise to the Lord”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Children; Sandra, Paul, Gretchen, Maria, Adam and Matthew; Urn Bearer: Son, Peter Lietzau
 Charles Arvid Lietzau was born on July 20, 1939, at home in Cosmos. He was the son of Johann/John aka “Jack” and Clara (Hintz) Lietzau. Charles was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos. He received his education in Litchfield and Cosmos and was a graduate of Cosmos High School, class of 1957.
 On August 28, 1959, Charles was married to Janet Flemming at Peace Lutheran Church, Cosmos. They were blessed with three children; Peter, Sandra and Paul. They resided in Cosmos where they shared 12 years of marriage until Janet passed away on August 18, 1973.
On June 28, 1975, Charles was married to Twyla Peterson at First Covenant Church in Willmar.
 Charles and Twyla made their home in rural Lake Lillian, where they welcomed four additional children, Gretchen, Maria, Adam and Matthew. They shared 49 years of marriage.
 Charles was owner and operator of Lietzau Taxidermy in Cosmos, which later evolved into a frontier era trade goods store, selling leather, furs and various supplies. He began taxidermy work in high school and continued to follow his calling until his death. Charles took pride in his work and loved being able to learn and share with those who came into the store. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, serving as the church organist from 1955-2023 and the Peace Pipers’ director. He served the church and community in many other roles throughout his lifetime. In 1983, he organized the annual Space Festival Rendezvous, which drew an eclectic crowd and was a firmly established community tradition for 21 years. Charles was also a member of Cosmos Rod and Gun Club, Cosmos Industries, Meeker County Development, and ACGC School Board.
 Charles was an avid hunter and lifelong animal lover, culminating with his decades-long passion for raising buffalo. He enjoyed camping, gardening and spending time in nature. Charles cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, church family, and friends. His love for family inspired his interest in genealogy and he enjoyed researching historical records of the land and community.
 Blessed be his memory.
 Charles is survived by his wife, Twyla Lietzau of rural Lake Lillian; children, Peter Lietzau and his wife Maria of Apple Valley, Sandra Kahlhamer and her husband Dean of Lake Butler, Fla., Paul Lietzau and his wife Tracy of Waverly, Gretchen Roeske and her husband Rand of Paynesville, Maria O’Banion and her husband Andrew of Cosmos, Adam Lietzau of Cosmos, Matthew Lietzau of Cosmos; grandchildren: Christina (Archie VII) McDiarmid; Megan Lietzau (fiancé, Aymen), Mallory (Daniel) Crivaro, Brandon and Brady Kahlhamer; Trey Lietzau (fiancée, Kaitie), Brennan Lietzau (fiancée, Aimee), Madeline Lietzau; Kianna, Kaydence and Peyton Roeske; Kiran O’Banion; great-grandchildren: Dex, Mazin, Waylon, Elspeth, and Archie VIII; sisters-in-law: Sonya Peterson and Judith Flemming; many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved relatives, friends and community members.
 Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Lietzau; parents, John “Jack” and Clara Lietzau; siblings; Levi (Donna) Lietzau, Lois (Victor) Eastman, Delano (Yvonne) Lietzau; brother-in-law, Steven Flemming; parents-in-law, Raymond and Muriel Peterson, Albert Jr. and Rhoda Flemming.
 Arrangements by Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.