Published February 23, 2013, 12:00 AM

Charles P. "Chuck" Holmquist

Charles P. "Chuck" Holmquist, age 80, of Crookston, MN, died at his home Wednesday afternoon, February 20, 2013, with his wife, Maxine, at his side. Chuck was born at Hallock, MN on December 27, 1932, the youngest of 7 children of the union of Victor and Emma (Olson) Holmquist. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and received his early education in the Hallock school system. Chuck attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, graduating in 1952. He was an active member, and former president, of the Northwest School Alumni Association. Chuck entered the US Army on May 21, 1953 and served in Germany during the time of the Korean Conflict. On October 24, 1953, while home on leave, he was united in marriage to Bonnie A. Vesledahl at Winger, MN. Chuck completed his tour of duty and received his honorable discharge on April 6, 1955. In recognition of his service to his country he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marksmanship Badge. He returned home to Bonnie and together they raised 5 children: Vicky, Craig, Keith, Paul, and David, with many of those years spent in Crookston. Chuck's career years were spent in sales in the business of agriculture, and he held memberships in many professional organizations, including a term as president of the International Sugarbeet Association. Favorite memories include family times spent at the lake; going for boat rides, and teaching his kids and grandkids to water-ski. Chuck also looked forward to family reunions and the chance to visit with his brothers and sisters and their families. Sadly, Bonnie passed away on September 27, 2006. Faith, family, and friends were there to guide Chuck and the kids through this very hard time in their lives. On February 19, 2011 he married Maxine Willadson Hanson in Fargo, ND. The couple had been making their home in Crookston, and as Chuck's health began to decline Maxine's loving care made it possible for him to remain at home throughout his final illness.

Chuck was a devoted member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and a past-president of the congregation. For several years he also served as chair of the Property and Management Committee, and sang in both the choir and the men's chorus. In his younger days he was a member and president of the Crookston Jaycees and also served as a regional vice-president. Chuck was very proud to have served his country, and held longtime memberships in Crookston's Nels T. Wold American Legion Post 20 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1902. He was a former co-chair of the United Way Campaign; a member and past-president of the Crookston Pirate Boosters and Fine Arts Boosters; and a board member for the UMC Team Backers. Chuck will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family and many friends.