Charles Wilson

PASTOR CHARLES IRWIN WILSON completed his journey on earth on Tuesday evening October 7, 2014 and has been granted the promise of life everlasting. He was born to Fred and Lillian (Fagerhaug) Wilson on January 13, 1935 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. He became a child of God through holy baptism on February 10, 1935 and was later confirmed in the Christian faith on Aug 15, 1948 at Salem Lutheran Church in rural Wessington Springs, South Dakota.

He was a graduate of Wessington Springs high school in 1953, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1957 and Luther Theological Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1961. He interned at Valley City, North Dakota and was ordained in the Lutheran faith in 1961. After ordination, Pastor Wilson served 38 years in the following parishes: Hope Lutheran in Velva, North Dakota; Aurora and Trinity Lutheran in Owatonna, Minnesota; Faith and Riceford Lutheran in Spring Grove, Minnesota and St. John Lutheran in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.

Chuck met his loving wife on a blind date to hear the Messiah being performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Later they were married at Grace Lutheran Luverne, Minnesota on May 24, 1959. Faith and family were central to his life. They were blessed with four children: Kari, Kristin, Erik and Paul along with eight grandchildren: Katrina, Hannah, Abigail, Grace, Verity, Nicholas, Jakob, and Isaak. He loved traveling with the family all over the United States on camping excursions enjoying God’s creation. Chuck loved gardening especially collecting Iris flower varieties, photography, carpentry, singing in the choir, star gazing and had the knack of being able to fix, restore and pack anything.

Chuck passed away peacefully surrounded by his dear wife and children at the Luverne Hospice Cottage just short of turning 80. He was known for his warm smile, gentle manner, and eagerness to help others.

Chuck is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Naomi; his children, Kari (Will) Stone of Federal Way, Washington, Kristin Frizzell of Bigfork, Montana, Erik (Heidi) Wilson of St. Paul, Minnesota, Paul Wilson of Plymouth, Minnesota; grandchildren; his brothers, Fred (Gloria) of Pullman, Washington, Loren (Betty) of Everett, Washington, William (Karen) of Moses Lake, Washington, Daniel (Sylvia) of Salem, Oregon; sister-in-law, Eileen of Wessington Springs, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald; and niece, Alicia.

God bless the life and love Chuck shared with all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne.