Service Information
Charles “Charlie” Markert, age 89, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Interment will be held at a later date at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Funeral Chapel
Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel
1222 Hennepin Avenue
Glencoe, MN 55336
Phone:(320) 864-3737
Lorri K Olson says
I so enjoyed our conversations about hot air ballooning. He was quite a special man. My sympathies to his family.
Keith Landgraff says
To one of the most colorful guy’s I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and care for. He will be missed on this earth, bless all of his family and we are all proud to have the opportunity to care for him!! Keith Landgraff
Mary-Anne Olmsted-Kohls says
Hi Frieda, Jodi, and Tim,
I was so sad to read of Charly’s passing. I just saw him in December when he received his quilt of Valor. He was his exuberant self. Things must have happened fast.
I am so glad to have had the chance to have known Charly and had the opportunity to share his story about his balloon art. Your family is blessed to have that legacy. He now forever flies in the sky.
May flying his balloons offer you sustaining memories and connections of him and his magnificent creations.
Blessed is his memory.
Victoria anderson says
RIP Merk. I will never forget all the inspiration and helpful advice you gave me in all my crafting. It made me so proud that you loved the sugar egg. I so looked forward to our conversations and the hot air balloon ride has led me to book a flight this summer in your Honor! You fly with Angel Wings now and I can only imagine how much joy that brings you:) To Charlie’s family, you have my condolences on your loss. He was the Best and will be missed by so many. Truly, Victoria Anderson.
Carolyn Kurth says
My heart just went on sad mode. My husband entered Harmony River in 2020 and Charlies’ and my paths would cross when he’d be out scooting about. I’m not sure if all of his camera’s pictures were developed, but what stories they could tell! My sincere thoughts and condolences to all of Charlies’ family and those who’s lives he touched. Thank you for the memories….I just wish I could have connected with you more, until then RIP Charlie.
Robert Samuel WiLLbanks says
Charlie was a one of a kind artist who literally painted the skies with beautiful renderings. As a balloon builder and repair station owner for 40 years, I always marveled at his renderings and how he was able to just hang a completed envelope up against his wall easel and paint these beautiful bigger than life creations. We will miss Charlie and his art, and I regret not every getting to shake his hands. But we do not mourn our departed lighter than air collogues because we have all risen to kiss the sunrise and floated on the breath of God. Peace to all Charlie’s family and friends. Cloud landing Sir!