Federal League Baseball | Minnesota

Charles “Chuck” Edward Poppitz, 74, of Chaska, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Chuck was born on October 27, 1949, in Shakopee, MN, to Edward and Velda (Heinisch) Poppitz, the youngest of two children. He was baptized, confirmed, and attended the parochial school at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska. Chuck graduated from Chaska High School in 1967. On April 1, 1972, he married Diana Wulf at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska. Together, they had three children. Chuck was a lifelong resident of Chaska and dedicated 35 years of his career to Ruan/Holnam in Burnsville, MN, serving as both manager for 15 years and truck driver for 20 years.

Chuck’s legacy in the Federal League is one to be remembered. He was the 29th player Inducted into the Federal League Hall of Fame in 2010, Chuck played a pivotal role in the development of the Chaska Diamonds Ballclub from 1986 through the 2020s.

Beginning with the Shakopee Warriors in 1984, Chuck transitioned to the Chaska Diamonds in 1986, where he played a total of 15 years of 35+ baseball, maintaining an impressive .330 career batting average. Renowned for his prowess in Right Field, Chuck showcased his exceptional arm strength on countless occasions.

Despite being sidelined later by knee operations, Chuck remained an integral part of the team, often found in the Diamonds dugout at Chaska's Athletic Field, keeping score for his teammates long after retiring his cleats. Beyond the baseball diamond, Chuck found joy in woodworking, fishing, and golfing, but cherished most the time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Diana; children, Chad (Cindy) Poppitz of Chaska, Richard (Sherry) Poppitz of Shakopee, Melissa (Troy) Enderson of Shakopee; grandchildren, Logan, Kurt, Emily, and Jackson; sister, Christine Poppitz of Chaska; along with other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Bertas Funeral Home, 200 West Third Street, Chaska, MN, followed by burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Chaska, MN.

Thoughts are with the family and the Chaska Diamonds.