Charles “Chuck” Joseph Ferdinand Picard, 86, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his home. He was born November 29, 1939, to Joesph and Elise (Duval) Picard in Willow City, North Dakota. Charles was united in marriage to Virgina K. (Griffin) Picard on July 14, 1962.
Early in life, he had many jobs; he worked for Dippen Construction until he became co-owner of PB Systems and Golden Garter where they provided dance lessons. He worked as the manager of Country Side Bar until it sold. He then started his own business, calling it Full House Construction. He later moved to California where he resided for 13 years and returned home to be surrounded by his family again. He then worked for John James until his retirement.
Working in his woodshop gave Chuck immense joy. He built gun cabinets, cedar chests, small cars, trucks, and toy furniture and signed it all as “Chuckwood Shoppe”.
He was often seen working in his garden, taking pride in his abundant harvest of radishes, tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce. He always had to keep himself busy, often saying “I gotta do somethin!”
Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He built a life on hard work and was a dedicated provider who always put the needs of his family first.
He is survived by his children, David Picard of Tomah, Cathy (Steve) Bernhardt of Tomah, Susan (Daniel) Wilbanks of Tomah, Andrew (Traci) Picard of Oconto Falls, and Michele Picard of Tomah; grandchildren, Kimberly (Matthew) Robertson, Tyler (Jonna) Bernhardt, Nathan (Elizabeth) Wilbanks, Nehemiah Wilbanks, Ricardo Castro, Nicholas (Diana Verway) Wilbanks, Deazman Picard, Angel (Byron) Kelly, Jesse (Justice Vorpahl) Picard, and Zander (Alexis Ritchart) Rogers; great grandchildren, Lillian, Hannah, Emily, Aaron, Arianna, Sawyer, Oliver, Sebastian, Mya, Zelma, Zoey, Zaylee, Natalie, Jonathan, Ava, Masiey, Trent, Seth, Layla, Brennan, Kaelyn, Liberty, and Theo; brothers and sisters, James (Carol) Picard, Thomas (Jean) Picard, Dale (Kathy) Picard, and Kathleen Nance, brothers in law and sisters in law, Veva (Robert) Knutson, Vernon (Janet) Griffin, Lynn Griffin, Barbara Griffin, Senator David (Ann) O’Connell, Sheila Picard, and Janice Picard. He is further survived by his beloved buddy, Moose.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 2023; granddaughter Danielle Castro; brothers, Joseph (Delores) Picard, Richard Picard, and Russell Picard; sisters, Anadine O’Connell, and Irene Foss; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eugene Griffin, Roger (Bernadine) Griffin, Lisa Griffin, Howard Griffin and Sally Picard.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Tomah VA, especially Amanda Blevins, for her swift action and compassionate support in arranging hospice care. They also wish to thank the Mayo Healthcare System, particularly Dr. Andrew Last, Dr. Jane Korducki, Robyn Bernett, and Dr. Pate, as well as Moments Hospice, especially Benji, Kari, Heather, and Michael, for their exceptional care and kindness, and to the Torkelson Funeral Home for their thoughtful guidance and help during this time.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah, Wisconsin. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for a visitation on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. There will be no formal visitation on Friday prior to the funeral Mass.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
