Pinetree Farmer Charles Peltzer Remembered By Family, Friends

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —Charles Theodore Peltzer passed away at his home in Anaheim this month. He was born on Feb. 28, 1935, in Orange at St. Joseph Hospital.

The Peltzer clan moved from Kansas to Orange County in 1914 and carried the pioneer and farming spirit in their blood.

Known as Chuck to his friends and patrons of Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm, his storied journey towards a career in agriculture began with a stint at Knotts Berry Farm.

"His first venture was raising pullets for Mrs. Knott's Chicken House," a family spokesperson said.

In the 1960s, Chuck Peltzer planted his first seedling pine trees, starting with early seedlings. He sold his first Christmas tree in 1966, the family said.

Peltzer Pines continues to be a staple for Orange County to this day, run by Chuck's son, Nick, and worked by his many grandchildren.

During his storied career, Peltzer was a volunteer fireman in Villa Park and Orange. He was a patent holder and worked as a Commissioner for the Anaheim Public Utilities. Peltzer also worked as Commissioner for the Anaheim Public Utilities and served as the Treasurer of the Orange County Farm Bureau.

Peltzer loved to fish, hunt, go off-roading, music and classic Lincolns. Still, his biggest joy was his family and watching his sons succeed in their agricultural businesses.

His son Nick still operates Peltzer Pines, and his youngest son, Charlie runs Temecula's Peltzer Farms & Winery.

"The two tree farms in Orange County will continue to run in Brea and Santiago Canyon," Charlie and Carrie Peltzer told Patch. "He taught us the importance of building a business based upon family traditions, one we will carry on for years to come."

Charles Peltzer was preceded in death by his son, Victor, and is survived by his wife, Maureen, and sons Nicholas (Beth), Richard (Soley), Charlie (Carrie); step-son Kevin, step-daughter Amy (Jeff); and grandchildren" Chase, Nichole, Sarah, Devon, Charlie, Max, Ryan, Tyler, Trent and Emily. He is also survived by his sisters: Cathy, Liz, Vicky, along with their husbands and children and many cousins and countless friends.

A celebration of his life was planned for Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. at The Villa in Orange.

The family has thanked the Vitas Hospice Group for their selfless caregiving, and for mourners to consider donating to the American Parkinson's Disease Association in memory of Chuck Peltzer.

"The world has lost an extraordinary person, but his legacy will live on in every newly planted tree," a family spokesperson said.