"Chuck" Kristopeit

Charles Scott "Chuck" Kristopeit, 70, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas was a wonderful, free-spirited soul who loved life. He rang in the new year with us one last time and passed away at his home on January 1, 2025. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin on August 25, 1954 to Walter Richard and Elsie Rosina Baker Kristopeit.

Chuck often spoke of a happy and loving childhood and his wonderful family. He was baptized May 17, 1970 and became duly instructed in the Christian faith by Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine. He was active in the church for many years and worked as a youth pastor.

Chuck's early career as a Technical Service Specialist at Printing and Development, Inc. from 1974 to 2005 allowed him to travel all over the USA. He moved to Cherokee Village in 2001 and fell in love with the city and community. He built friendships as he dedicated years of service and volunteerism to the city and its citizens. In 2006 he started his own small business, Heartland Home Inspection. He was later sworn in as a Cherokee Village councilman and served from 2015 through 2022.

Many people knew Chuck, and with his outgoing personality, he never met a stranger! He loved to talk, especially about politics, even when it got hard for people to express their different views. Chuck always wanted to keep the spirit of America alive and firmly believed in civil discourse regardless of differences. He was not one to hold grudges and could quickly move past disagreements.

Chuck enjoyed many things in life: socializiing and dancing, all kinds of music (going to concerts, singing in the choir, doing karaoke), going to ballgames, watching NASCAR, camping, hiking, enjoying nature with friends and family, designing and creating either/or home decorations or decorative wordwork.  Most of all he loved helping people and being involved in the lives of his family, friends, and community.

Lynette Baker married Chuck on February 5, 2005, and he was immediately adopted by children and grandchildren he thought he would never have, and he returned the love to all. "Papa Chuck" became extremely popular as a loving and supportive husband, stepfather, grandpa, brother, uncle, and cherished friend.

Chuck is now reunited in peace with his parents; his sister, Pamela; his brother, Bill; and many other friends and family who passed away before he did.

He is survived by his wife, Lynette; stepdaughters, Jessica Dwyer (David) and Alisha Harper; "the favorites": his grandchildren, Laney and Dylan Dwyer and Veda Rowe (daughter of Alisha Harper and Preston Rowe); his brother, Bryan (Mary); his sister-in-law, Vonnie (Bill's wife); nieces and nephews; and many cousins in the United States and in England. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and those he helped throughout his life.

Visitation of family and friends will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home at 1540 Hwy. 62/412, Highland, AR 72542.