Charles "Charlie" Patrick Melsha

Melsha, Charles P. (“Charlie”), age 71 of Otsego, MN, died peacefully at home May 4, 2025, following several years battling Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Terry (Ziesmer Sandvik), his soul mate of more than 40 years who devotedly cared for him; step-son Nate Sandvik and grandkids Jack, Sam and Charlie; and Frankie the Goldendoodle. Charlie is also survived by his mom, Jeanne R. Melsha, and 8 “little” brothers and sisters: Mary Jo Melsha, Nancy (James) Bendtsen, Tom Melsha, Lisa Ellis, Mike (Monika) Melsha, Patty (Mark) Gorman, Kathy (Jon) Iannazzo, and Christopher (Tara) Melsha—all of whom are so grateful for such a wonderful son and big brother. Charlie was also loved by his 23 nieces/nephews and 28 great nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad, Charles J. Melsha, who surely welcomed Charlie home with a father’s embrace (and hunting/fishing gear).

Charlie was raised in New Hope, MN, attended St. Raphael School in Crystal, graduated from Cooper HS and then spent 42 years at Tennant Company, beginning as a welder and retiring in 2016 as a production manager. Charlie and Terry met 43 years ago through their mutual friend, Bill W., and were married in 2009. Charlie and Terry loved their long bike rides, walks on Maroma Beach and playing with the grandkids. A true conservationist, Charlie inherited a love for the outdoors, greatly enjoying hunting, fishing, caring for monarch caterpillars, teaching nephews to hunt…and was ever fascinated by blazing birch trees. Even after onset of his MSA, Charlie remained active, including joining Rock Steady Boxing. He was always among the first to help family and friends in need, even up until his last day, and often with few people knowing. He epitomized the wonderful son, best big brother and favorite uncle. And most of all, he was an incredibly devoted and loving husband to Terry and dad and granddad to Nate and his boys. Although MSA got the better of his body at the end, he battled so gracefully, never complained and always maintained his sharp sense of humor.

Charlie’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service 11AM Tue 5/13 at Community United Methodist Church, 9225 Jason Ave NE, Monticello with visitation 1 hour prior. Family and friends are also invited to gather at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 E. Broadway St, Monticello from 5-8PM Mon 5/12 with rosary at 6:45PM and reflections at 7PM. Private interment at a later date at Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, MN. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made in Charlie's name to Mission MSA, Monticello Help Center or Community United Methodist Church in Monticello by using the links below.  Peterson-Grimsmo 763-295-2918 www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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