Emil Charles “Chuck” Vukovich passed away on August 1, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, MN. While he passed at peace and he will be sorely missed, we know he will add handsomely to the Heavenly team.

Born on July 23, 1952, in Ironwood, MI, to Emil and Anna Mae (Breen) Vukovich. Earning many All-Star honors before graduating from LLW HS in 1970 in Ironwood, he went on to graduate from NMU with a business degree before joining the family business. He worked at the family business, Gogebic Auto Co for years. When the business sold, he continued selling cars at Ave’s in Hurley, WI and retired years later from Ashland Honda Toyota. He was considered the greatest car salesman around!

He was a loyal member of the Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, and he would often volunteer for church fundraisers and other community events.

Chuck could be found skiing, a favorite sport, at Indianhead Mountain in the winter, fishing on Lake Superior in the Springtime, casting for Walleyes, though his favorite was Bass fishing. Summertime found him at the Lake with friends and music, and spoiling us all with his excellent cooking on the BBQ grill, among others. Spicing everything to perfection, including pig roasts. He made the best venison jerky, too!

Fall was all about hunting partridge and deer, with a few trips out west. Our freezer was always full!

Though preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Anna Mae, and his brother Kevin, he is survived by his loving wife Cindy (Kuker) celebrating 48 years together, his daughter, Julie, of California; son Nik and wife Stephanie, and their sons Seth and Caleb – who meant the world to him, as well as his dog Cali; his brother, Brian (Diane) Vukovich; niece, Brittany (Jake) Cote and son Barron; nephew, Kyle and his daughter Oakleigh; his sister, Nancee (Rich) DaRonco and their kids Darren and Blaine; his sister-in-law, Becky Vukovich and her children Erin, Kimberly, and Kevin Vukovich. Chuck is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood on August 14, 2026, with visitation beginning at St. Joseph Room at 9:30am, and mass to follow at 11:00am. Reception afterwards in the Church basement. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

A big thanks to Beacon Ambulance, Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, and St. Luke’s Hospital Duluth. Chuck was well taken care of and left this world at peace.

An All-Star husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many, and a proud American, living the Red, White, and Blue all his days.

He will be sorely missed, but we are all better off for having had him in our lives. Let us not mourn, but celebrate the “Chuck” Life!

Memorial gifts can be made to OLOP.