Charles Lee Burdsal, Jr. (Chuck)

Birth: April 8, 1950 - Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Death: August 7, 2025 - Rapid City, South Dakota

After a long illness, Charles Lee Burdsal, Jr.—affectionately known as “Chuck”—passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on August 7, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. The family held a small, private service on August 14, 2025, at the Black Hills National Cemetery, where Chuck is now buried.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Virginia (“Ginne”), his loving children Jonathan (“Jay”) and Julia, and a wide circle of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, and “bonus kids.” His parents, Charles Lee Sr. and Mary Lou Burdsal, preceded him in death.

Chuck lived in various places growing up as an “Army brat” and attended many schools. He graduated from Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs in 1968. In 1972, he graduated from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO with a B.S. in History. Chuck married Virginia Pile in Pueblo, Colorado, on June 17, 1972, and they celebrated 53 years together this summer.

After he graduated college and married the love of his life, Chuck joined the United States Air Force in 1973—a calling that would shape the next two decades of his life. His career took him across the country and to Okinawa, Japan.

He began as an electronics technician for the SRAM missile system, and later was an electronic instructor for it. After attending Officer Candidate School (OCS), he became a launch officer, and later, a maintenance officer with the Minuteman missile system as well as several other positions, including leadership responsibility at the Command Post.

At the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Chuck obtained a Masters of Logistics in 1985. He served with distinction in both technical and leadership roles, ultimately retiring as a Major. Ellsworth AFB was his first duty station and his last.

Chuck’s time in the Air Force reflected his deep sense of duty, precision, and pride in serving his country. He was a student of military history with a deep knowledge of events and military tactics.

After 20 years of dedicated service to his country in the United States Air Force, Chuck returned to school at Black Hills State University to earn another bachelor's degree, this time with a teaching certificate in elementary and special education. He graduated in 1995.

Chuck worked in several positions in the Rapid City School System, both in teaching and as an IT specialist. He later joined Youth and Family Services (YFS) and worked at Girls, Inc. as a computer teacher, where he eventually retired due to health reasons. Chuck had a blast playing Papa Smurf on Halloween and Santa Claus at Christmas during his time at YFS. Teaching kids how to use computers safely in the digital age was a mission close to his heart, and he made a lasting impact on countless children through his work in education for YFS.

During his time in IT with the school district, Chuck created Good Sites For Kids (www.goodsitesforkids.org), a free online resource for teachers, parents, and students of all ages. The site featured links to educational and informational content, and Chuck was still working on it the night before he passed away.

Chuck’s sense of humor could light up any room. He was a storyteller, a mentor, and a helper—generous to a fault, never seeking recognition. His passion for life and learning was contagious, and he made the world better simply by being in it.

His spirit lives on in all the joy, connection, and curiosity he inspired. We will love him always and forever.

For those wanting to honor his memory, the family requests donations be considered for either The Oglala Pet Project (https://www.oglalapetproject.org/), Feeding South Dakota (https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/), Girls, Inc. (https://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/support-us/) or South Dakota Public Broadcasting (https://www.sdpb.org/donate/).

Until we meet again, Chuck, our beloved husband, father, friend, mentor, and once-in-a-lifetime treasure.