Charles Perry Ulen, age 71 of Pengilly, passed away Saturday, July 12th, 2025, while receiving care at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth after a short battle with cancer. Chuck raved about the St. Luke’s staff and told everyone he talked to that St. Luke’s was the place to be if you needed care.

Chuck was born on August 12th, 1953, to Clayton and Patricia (Knowlton) Ulen. He grew up in Hibbing and spent his summers in East Bay on Crane Lake, MN. He later graduated from Hibbing High School with the class of 1972. He attended technical school in Detroit Lakes and studied small engine repair. He was married to Vicky Barta on April 21st, 1979, in Hibbing, MN. He worked at Eveleth Tac until it shut down and then relocated his family to California. There he worked in construction and at the Union Oil Refinery. Upon returning to Minnesota, Chuck worked every shift they would give him at the Keewatin mine for many years until he retired.

Chuck lived an adventurous and full life. He was known for his entertaining stories, his big heart, and generosity. Chuck grew up in the great outdoors and had a strong love of hunting and fishing. He enjoyed cruising on his motorcycle and flying his powered parachute. Throughout his life, Chuck was extremely proud of his daughters as he watched them grow into beautiful, strong women. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and his most recent joy was watching the grandkids rip around Swan Lake on the jet ski.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Ulen; his daughters Tara (Barry) Olson of Bemidji and Lindsay (Jason) Fillman of Pengilly; his siblings Cliff (Blanca) Ulen, Nancy Ulen, and Lance (Amy) Ulen; sister-in-law Becky Ulen; brother-in-law Ricky (Jody) Barta; his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Hunter Olson, Eli Olson, Aiden Fillman, and Avery Fillman; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay Ulen and Patricia Ulen; his brother Curt Ulen; and his mother-in-law Irene Barta and father-in-law Victor Barta.

A service will be held at Nashwauk Alliance Church on Saturday, July 26th. Visitation will be held starting at 10:00 with a service starting at noon.

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