FULTON – On April 22, 2020 devoted husband and loving father Charles “Chuck” L. Kerfien was called home by The Lord, he was at home with his family beside him. He was 74 years old.
Born in Volney to Leslie F. Kerfien, Sr. and Lottie M. (Welch) Kerfien, Chuck was the ninth of ten children. Chuck graduated from Fulton High School in 1963 and began a long successful career in manufacturing. He was a journeyman machinist, qualified welder, and expert high-speed packaging equipment mechanic. Chuck worked at Nestle, Black Clawson, Miller Brewing, Stroh Brewing, and Phillip Morris before retiring in 2008. Chuck was a family man and his drive and work ethic were always focused on providing for his family.
On August 23, 1975 Chuck married Darlene L. Griswold and the couple enjoyed a full 44 years of marriage. They made their home in Fulton, New York, for 22 years before moving to Kannapolis, NC. Chuck was a farm boy at heart. Following his retirement the couple returned to his family farm in Volney as Oswego County was always his home.
Chuck and Darlene enjoyed traveling and seeing the world together, but they were happiest hosting family gatherings and spectacular summer air show parties. They prided themselves in making their home a welcome place year-round for family friends. Chuck was the first one to lend a helping hand, pull a stranger out of the snow, share a smile with his sparkling blue eyes, and engage in conversation. He was also a surprisingly good dancer.
Chuck was a racer. From 1966 to 1970 he campaigned his own late model and from 1972 until 1979 he and his brother Tom fielded the Kerfien Brothers Racing modified. They competed locally in upstate NY scoring multiple wins and competing for track titles. When the team ownership years ended Chuck continued to compete in an asphalt modified until hanging up his helmet for good in 1986. He attended races with his family and friends and avidly followed the sport for the rest of his life.
Chuck is survived by his wife Darlene; his sons Ryan (Erin) of Huntersville NC and Scott of Fulton, NY; his grandson Charles S. of Huntersville, NC; his brothers Robert, Fredrick, Richard, Edward, Thomas, and his sister Donna Gilliland all of Fulton, NY; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father Leslie Sr.; mother Lottie; brothers Leslie Jr., Duane, and Floyd.
Given the current nationwide restrictions on gatherings and travel a memorial service to celebrate the life of Charles L. Kerfien will be held at a later date with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers or donations the family asks you to share your favorite stories and memories of Chuck on his tribute wall at brownfuneralhomefulton.com
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RIP old friend
Darlene and Family,
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck. May you and your family know that there are many of us praying and thinking of you at this time. Our deepest condolences. Sherry and Jerry Root
Darlene and Family,
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Chuck. May you and your family know that there are many of us praying and thinking of you at this time. Our deepest condolences. Sherry and Jerry Root
Grew up next to Chuck’s family homestead,many beautiful memories of them all out haying it and riding on the haywagon. Always reminded me of the boy’s on bananza.great down to earth family. As I was older I love going to Fulton races just to watch Chuck race his beautiful blue race car in which I purchased a picture of him standing next to it. Unfortunately through the yrs of moving and all lost track of it.and lost memory of what the number on it was. what a great life he led may he journey on ??? My thoughts and prayers are with you all? (((God Bless)))
On behalf of the Fulton High School Class of 1963, our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Charles “Chuck” Kerfien. Under Chuck’s picture in our senior yearbook reads: “What is he really like?”, Industrial Arts Club 3. We will include Chuck on the In Memoriam Page on our class website, http://www.fhsclassof63.com. Posted by Ted Butler Romas.
This is Mini’s Mom, y’all know who I am if you know Mini. Every time Chuck would call me, he would say “Is this Mini’s Mom?” I’m going to miss those calls. We would “gab” forever. Every day we would go out for a walk and Mini would look over at the house to see if Charlie was out. If she heard that John Deer Tractor out plowing, she would sit by the door until he was done and come to the door to “fuss”over her. To this day when we go out to walk, she looks over at the house and I’ll say “Charlie’s not there anymore, Mini” and her tail will start wagging as we walk away. She will see him again someday. He was a good friend and neighbor….we will miss him.