Charles I. Trio

Charles I. Trio, age 84, of St. Peter, died Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Saturday, February 10, 2018, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Mapleton with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mapleton. Please share a memory of Charlie with his family at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Charles was born March 8, 1933, in rural Mapleton to Peter and Lucy (Goettl) Trio. Charlie loved helping on the farm, milking cows and doing chores. He lived in a group home in St. Peter for many years and enjoyed rides around the country, watching animal movies and westerns, dancing at the Bandwagon, and decorating for the holidays. He also loved a slice of pie, candy bar, or Coke. Over the years, Charlie was involved with the Special Olympics and Camp Friendship. He worked at Valley Enterprises for many years (and he sometimes napped there, too).

Survivors include his brothers, Joe (Darlene) Trio of Mankato and August (Eileen) Trio of Mapleton; sister-in-law, Vera Trio of Mapleton; brother-in-law, LaVern Goettl of Mankato; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Goettl; brother, Dennis Trio; and sister-in-law, Joanne Trio.

Among Charlie’s gifts to us; he appreciated many simple joys during his life, and his love for animals was endearing. He could melt your troubles away with his smile and quiet demeanor, as he made you feel happy and humbled by being in his presence. He allowed us to focus on what is important in   life - the opportunity to give of ourselves. He enabled those who knew him to embrace the lessons of patience and understanding. His caregivers learned to respect his strong sense of self-reliance, while maintaining his independence. In recent years they provided unwavering devotion, support and compassion when it was needed most.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the following caregivers for all their kindness and compassion they’ve shown toward Charlie through all the years: Brenda Albrecht, Karla Waldack, Nicole Neubert, Kim Miller, Marty Pongratz, Patience Fitzner, Jo Regenscheid, Brandon Van Meveren, Jeff Coners, and several past caregivers. The family is forever grateful.