Oak Park Heights - Lea, Charles "Chuck" Rykken Age 97 of Oak Park Heights died unexpectedly on August 19, 2025, He is survived by 2 children, Marilyn Porter (John) and Richard Lea (Terri); 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth Nelsen (Seth), Amanda Porter, Charles Richard Lea (Kristen) and Nicole Abbe (Joshua); 3 great grandchildren, Aurora Nelsen, Dean Nelsen and Kendrick Lea; sister Dorothy LeGault (Ron Podratz) and sister-in-law Vernell Lea. He was preceded in death by his wife Hope Halenbeck Lea; parents, Oliver and Ethel (Rykken) Lea; his sister, Virginia Humes and his brother, Robert Lea. Born in Duluth, MN, Chuck graduated from Duluth Central High School. He joined the Navy right out of high school and spent his freshman year at the University of Idaho while a Navy cadet. After WWII ended, he transferred to the University of MN - Twin Cities where he earned his chemical engineering degree. Chuck spent his career working at 3M in the roofing granules lab, but his soul was fed in a variety of other ways. Chuck was an avid Minnesota Gopher fan, holding season football tickets for over 60 years and basketball tickets for over 50 years. Chuck joined the 3M Male Chorus in 1947 as a baritone. He became part of the Mellow Fellows when it was formed as an auxiliary group in 1996. He served as an officer in both groups in many capacities most notably as librarian and treasurer. Chuck joined Parkview Church of Christ in 1957, after moving to White Bear Lake, MN, where he sang in the church choir until his death and held numerous board positions. Chuck volunteered at Belwin Outdoor Science Center (30 years monitoring the bluebird trails) and helping with student visits at both Belwin and Fort Snelling. A celebration of Chuck's life will be at 11:00 am Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 at Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave, White Bear Lake, MN with visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Belwin Outdoor Services Center 1553 Stagecoach Trail S. Afton, MN 55001. Bradshaw - 651-439-5511