Charles "Chuck" M. Votipka

Charles “Chuck” M. Votipka, age 46, of Washington, Kansas, died September 6, 2026, at his home.

The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, September 13, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington.

A rosary service was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 14, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Washington, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Father David Metz officiated.

The pallbearers were Eric Retzlaff, Erin Retzlaff, Eric Gepner, Clint Stamm, Cody Stambaugh, Mark Behrens and Jeremy Craig.

Burial was at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery near Alexandria, Nebraska.

Charles “Chuck” was born January 21, 1980, in Geneva, Nebraska, to Thomas A. and Georgia Ann (Heathcock) Votipka. From an early age, Chuck was raised by his aunt and uncle, Roger and Kathy Retzlaff, whom he lovingly called “Mom and Dad.” He graduated from Hebron High School in 1998 and continued his education at North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit, Kansas.

After completing his education in Beloit, Chuck had a couple of friends who were working for Stamm Masonry in Washington. They told Clint Stamm that their friend wanted to come work with them, and after some persistence, Clint hired Chuck just as the company was beginning a large project bricking a school in Washington. Although his friends eventually moved on, Chuck stayed and continued working alongside Clint for many years.

Following Clint’s retirement, Chuck went to work for the City of Washington. He later ventured out on his own and established Chuck Votipka Masonry Company, putting his years of experience and craftsmanship to work in his own business.

On October 11, 2003, Chuck was united in marriage to Fallon Ouellette at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Washington. To this union, two children were born, Grayson and Ashtyn. Chuck and Fallon later divorced.

Chuck was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting and fishing, and he took great pride in smoking some wonderful barbecue. Above all, Chuck enjoyed people. He had an easygoing nature, enjoyed visiting with others and was a friend to everyone.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Fern Votipka; mother, Georgia Ann Votipka; and brother, Thomas Votipka II.

Survivors include his son, Grayson Votipka; daughter, Ashtyn Votipka; parents, Roger and Kathy Retzlaff of Hebron, Nebraska, and Thomas Votipka of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; siblings, Teresa Flynn, Eric (Kayla) Retzlaff, Erin Retzlaff, Elizabeth Retzlaff, and Emily Retzlaff and fiancé, Eric Uher; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established to assist with the education expenses of Chuck’s two children. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 West 2nd St., Washington, KS 66968.