Charles A. Lietzau

Obituary

Charles Arvid Lietzau was born on July 20, 1939, at home in Cosmos, Minnesota. 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 the 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, Minnesota.
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 the
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.

Charles passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at his home in rural Lake Lillian, Minnesota, at the age of 85 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Charles is survived by his:
Wife, Twyla Lietzau of rural Lake Lillian, MN;
Children, Peter Lietzau and his wife, Maria of Apple Valley, MN,
Sandra Kahlhamer and her husband, Dean of Lake Butler, FL,
Paul Lietzau and his wife, Tracy of Waverly, MN,
Gretchen Roeske and her husband, Rand of Paynesville, MN,
Maria O’Banion and her husband, Andrew of Cosmos, MN,
Adam Lietzau of Cosmos, MN,
Matthew Lietzau of Cosmos, MN;
Grandchildren: Christina (Archie VII) McDiarmid; Megan Lietzau (fiancé, Aymen), Mallory (Daniel) Crivaro,
Brandon & 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.