Charles "Chopper" Klaphake

Charles H. “Chopper” Klaphake, age 65 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Friday, December 26, 2025 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. For the visitation, Chopper would appreciate you wearing the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, or Mainstreeter’s sports attire, or something John Deere green.

Charles Herman Klaphake was born June 17, 1960 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Edward and Marlene (Ritter) Klaphake. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1978. Farming, family, friends, and faith were an integral part of Chopper’s life. He began farming at 16 years of age. His knowledge and work ethic allowed him to be successful. During the past 17 years, he mentored his nephew, Jarrett, and advised him about cattle, farming techniques, and crops.

Family get-togethers were often hosted by Chopper after mom and dad passed. He cherished family and found joy in being surrounded by others. During these crazy and chaotic get-togethers, he enjoyed the camaraderie, laughter, and quality family time while watching the Vikings and Twins play or playing 500.

Friends were a gift to him. He loved the card parties with the guys and Carbles nights with friends. The little smirk on his face often indicated that he had a good hand. He enjoyed being a gracious host and visiting with his friends.

He was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre where he served as an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ashley Township Supervisor, Stearns County American Dairy Association Board of Directors, and North Fork Mutual Insurance Board of Directors. His generosity to charities, church, and Holy Family School never wavered. Giving to others was part of his legacy. He truly had a heart of gold and sharing what he had with others was part of how he was.

Survivors include his siblings, JoAnn (Bob) Kohorst, Mary (Brian) Borgerding, Sharon (Rod) Hanson, Jim (Carol) Klaphake, Ron (Amy) Klaphake, Mark (Jennifer) Klaphake, Linda (Chad) Gamradt, Dan Klaphake, Paul (Traci) Klaphake, and Jason (Tiffany) Klaphake all of Sauk Centre; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Chopper was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marlene Klaphake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Holy Family School in Sauk Centre.