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The founder of Poettker Construction Company based in Breese has died after going under in Kentucky Lake after jumping off the back of a boat.

The body of 69-year-old Charles “Chuck” Poettker of O’Fallon, Illinois was found about two hours later. He had started Poettker Construction about 41 years ago. The company now has about 200 employees working in 26 states.

Poettker’s son and company President, Keith Poettker, said under his father’s outstanding leadership, the company has built millions of quality relationships and buildings and has grown to be recognized as a premier construction firm and best place to work.

Poettker was a US Army veteran who earned the Bronze Star for his heroic service of recovery of the bodies of a pilot and co-pilot of a downed helicopter in Laos during the Vietnam War.

In the words of Chuck Poettker, as he’d always say, “I’m having my best day since yesterday!”

Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week.