Chuck was born March 8, 1943 in Winner, South Dakota. He was the third son of four to David and Josephine (Phalen) Colombe. His early childhood was spent in the Winner and Rosebud area.

The family moved to Rapid City and Chuck attended Saint John's grade school and graduated with the class of 1962 from Cathedral High School, where he forged many lifelong friendships and met Sharon, his beloved wife of 57 years.

Chuck graduated from Black Hills State University and began a career in education.  He taught science at St. John's and St. Martin's, sharing his love of learning and the natural world. Meanwhile, he completed his master's degree in counseling from South Dakota State University and became a guidance counselor at Central High School. He was never able to go anywhere in town without someone stopping to thank him for going above and beyond to help them through school.  His career eventually led him to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he served as the director of admissions as well as director of academic support services.  His career was always focused on helping young people to be successful.  Along the way, he also volunteered coaching baseball, basketball, leading after school science programs, and any other activity that needed his brand of dedication.

Chuck and Sharon had two children, Charles and Tanya. He also had two granddaughters who were the absolute light of his life. He was also blessed in January with a great grandson. Chuck was the ultimate dad and grandpa who never missed a game or activity and would throw grounders for hours or sprint across a cross country course to provide encouragement. Sharon and he also had a love of travel and visited everywhere from Alaska, to Belize, and Australia.  Spring training baseball in Arizona and the college World Series baseball tournament were favorites as well.

Friends and family will truly miss his teasing and unconditional love and support. He had a passion for hunting and fishing. He would spend hours fishing for salmon at Oahe Dam, hunting deer near Rochford, or freezing in Pierre hunting geese. He was also proud to pass on his knowledge to anyone wanting to tag along and learn. Chuck was quick to help with any repairs and could be found, snowblowing the entire neighborhood or mowing for hours in his straw cowboy hat.

Survivors include wife, Sharon, son Charles (Jennienne) Colombe, daughter Tanya Addison,  brother Jim, grand daughters Kayla (Donavin Neugebauer) Addison, Jada (Gavin Sackett) Addison, great grandson Beckett Neugebauer, many nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends and neighbors who are just like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brothers Lester and William "Bill" Colombe and recently by his best friend Bob Vallette.

The family deeply appreciates the care Chuck received during his battle with dementia from the staff at the Village at Skyline Pines.

Friends and family are invited to a vigil service at 6:00 pm. on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m.  A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow.  Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.