With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles Lowell “Chuck” Whitlock of Spearfish, South Dakota — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — who left this world unexpectedly on the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026.

Chuck was born on December 31, 1945, in Spearfish, South Dakota, to Lucille and Russell Whitlock. The youngest of three brothers, he spent a fun-filled childhood with David and Jim adventuring in the Black Hills, an upbringing that shaped the humble, hard-working, fun-loving man he became. The three brothers remained close throughout their lives, reunited once more when David recently returned home to Spearfish.

A graduate of Spearfish High School, Chuck won the 1962 State Wrestling Championship (95 lb) and was later inducted into the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class. He attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish and Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, wrestling collegiately and graduating with a teaching degree.

The love of Chuck's life was his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean Hurley. They married in February of 1966 while both were still students at UNC. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and so many of their closest friends — exactly the kind of day he loved most. That was the best of life to Chuck — nothing fancy, a cup of coffee or cold beer in hand, good people, sharing memories and making more.

Chuck coached and taught for a year in Oregon, where he and Carol welcomed their first daughter, Cherise, in June of 1970, just before the family returned to the Black Hills. Back home where he belonged, Chuck began a construction career in Spearfish, building houses alongside his father, Russ, and his brother Jim. He built the family's first home on Ash Street — the home they'd cherish for more than thirty years while raising their five children: Cherise, Craig, Cory, Callie, and Cami.

In the mid-1970s, Chuck launched a family business, Fish & Hunter, with his brother-in-law Joe Hurley and father-in-law Cecil Hurley. Chuck eventually took over sole ownership of the cabinet company, running the shop for thirty years before retiring in 2020. Chuck delighted in the conversations and lasting friendships with the people his work brought through the door.

Sports were always a huge part of Chuck’s life. He was instrumental in growing the sport of slow-pitch softball in western South Dakota throughout the 1970s. He helped get the Spearfish

Softball Complex built on the BHSC campus (current home of BHSU Softball), helped launch men’s and women’s leagues, and annually hosted some of the most prestigious softball tournaments in the region. A founding member of the Hurley’s CJ’s, Chuck was a two-time State A Champion, two-time League All-Star, competing in several Regionals and the 1976 ASA National Tournament in Washington, D.C. He also served a decade as ASA District Commissioner and League President in Spearfish. Chuck was inducted into the USA (ASA) South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame in 1993 for accomplishments as a Pitcher and Officer in Men's Slow Pitch.

Chuck loved everything sports, from Spartans to Yellow Jackets to competitions across the state and beyond – Go Broncos! He inspired, encouraged, and supported all five Whitlock kids in baseball, basketball, football, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball, and dance. The annual family vacation? Without question the South Dakota High School State Basketball Tournament — bust out the sugar cereal, popcorn, and soda pop! Chuck spent the better part of seventy years immersed in sports — as a competitor and as the biggest fan of his children, grandchildren, and anyone who competes.

Chuck and Carol became grandparents in 2002 with the arrival of Tyler Rose, and were gifted with ten more grandchildren in the years that followed. Watching their individual personalities develop, witnessing their artistic talent, and watching them perform throughout the years — at ballgames, and in dance, music, and theater — gave Chuck some of his greatest joy. He was deeply proud of each one and shared a special bond with all of them.

Chuck was easy to know and easy to love — always smiling, generous, and quick to make someone feel just like family. He saw the best in people, enjoyed every single day, and lived his life to the fullest.

Chuck is lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty years, Carol; his five children: Cherise (Donovan) Lerew of Spearfish, SD; Craig (Toni Brusseau) Whitlock of Erie, CO; Cory (Carrie Wimberley) Whitlock of Spearfish, SD; Callie (Tom) Schoenherr of Windsor, CO; and Cami Whitlock of Whitewood, SD.

He leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Chloe and Drayton Lerew; Tyler Rose, Téa, and Navi Whitlock; Marley and Everly Whitlock; and Tori, Tyson, Toby, and Tatum Schoenherr.

Chuck is also survived by his brothers James Lee (Carson) Whitlock and David Kent Whitlock; his brother-in-law Joseph (Kathy) Hurley; and countless extended family and friends who were a very special part of his life.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Russell Whitlock; his in-laws Cecil and Martha Hurley; his sister-in-law Ruth Ann Hurley-Miller and her husband Paul Miller; and his brother-in-law Bobby Hurley.

Chuck's legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, and in the small town he called home in the Black Hills. A place where he gathered lifelong friendships and touched countless lives — a place that won't ever be the same without him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral services will be held privately. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chuck’s life and share memories with us on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the Spearfish, SD area. Details and location at www.charleswhitlock.com 

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com