1937
Charles
2015
Charles Smith
March 3, 1937 — July 31, 2015
Charles William Smith 78 died on July 31, 2015 from complications of heart disease and diabetes in his home with family. Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 11th, 11:00 A.M. at St. Theodore's Catholic Church. Viewing one hour before the church service and visitation Monday August 10th from 5 - 8 P.M. at Bonnerup Funeral Services.
Charles, Chuck or Charlie whichever you called him by he would answer. He was a lifetime resident of Albert Lea, MN. On March 3, 1937 he was delivered by Grandma Neist on the Neist Farm, being the first born of Ambrose (Hap) Smith and Florence (Neist) Smith. He started working at age twelve on the farm for 25¢ a day. At sixteen he started working in town at the bowling alley, drive-in theater, Morlea Dairy and Page Sign Co. Charlie graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956 and enjoyed working on each class reunion thereafter. On July 7, 1956 he married Carol Johnson at St. Theodore's Catholic Church. The Lord blessed them with six children: Terry, Connie, Patricia, Karen, Joann and Laura. He cherished his time with his dog Mitzi and the many grand pets. Family and friends were at the top of his list with love and concern. He would be ready to help anyone if he could. After marrying he worked for Freeborn County, Morlea/Marigold Dairy, UPS, Briggs Transportation and lastly Yellow Freight. He commuted to work for 23 years to Mason City and Mpls/St. Paul in his two Honda Civic cars for a combined milage of 1 million miles. He retired April 1999, after 44 years as a proud member of the Teamster Union. He also worked part-time jobs driving school bus, driving gas transports and painting signs. Charlie was proud to to be a contestant or volunteer helper for the MN State Truck Driving Championships since 1970 and even went to Nationals one year and several years placed in the top three. Charlie was involved with his community by serving as PTA President for Halverson School, District PTA President and served on the Planning and Zoning Board for seven years. One of his passions was snowmobiling of 40 years. In the 70's he worked with County Engineer Joe DuPont to develop the snowmobile trail system. He was involved with the certification of young snowmobilers since the first class in Albert Lea. He spent numerous hours doing grooming and signage for the trail system and finally passed this duty along when he was 70 years old. A second passion was his 3 motorcycles, scooter and trike. The 2002 Goldwing 1800 trike was his last bike; nicknamed Tweety Bird. He enjoyed his rides and being part of the Goldwing Chapter R. Left to cherish the love and memories of Charlie's legacy are: Carol wife of 59 years, Son Terry, Daughters Connie (Ken) McWilliams, Patricia (Dolf) Moon, Karen (Andy) Cibert, Joann (Scott) Belvitch and Laura. Grandchildren: Michelle Moon (Jon Crowe), Amber Moon, Keith (Celina) Moon children of Patricia; Heather Garcia daughter of Karen and Brian Sparstad son of Joann. Great Grandchildren: Trey Garcia son of Heather; Carter and Cora children of Keith. Brother: James. Smith-in-laws: Keiko and Gloria. Johnson-in-laws: Robert, Kathryn, Ihlajean, Betty, Lavonne, Diane and Cindi. He has numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death: Parents; Ambrose (Hap) 1976 and Florence 1988. Siblings: Linda 1958, Patrick 2004, Dennis 2011 and Raymond 2014. In-Law: Diann (James) 1991. Charlie will be greatly missed and remembered for a great many things. Final interment will be at St. Theodore's Catholic Cemetery, Albert Lea, MN at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.
Charles, Chuck or Charlie whichever you called him by he would answer. He was a lifetime resident of Albert Lea, MN. On March 3, 1937 he was delivered by Grandma Neist on the Neist Farm, being the first born of Ambrose (Hap) Smith and Florence (Neist) Smith. He started working at age twelve on the farm for 25¢ a day. At sixteen he started working in town at the bowling alley, drive-in theater, Morlea Dairy and Page Sign Co. Charlie graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956 and enjoyed working on each class reunion thereafter. On July 7, 1956 he married Carol Johnson at St. Theodore's Catholic Church. The Lord blessed them with six children: Terry, Connie, Patricia, Karen, Joann and Laura. He cherished his time with his dog Mitzi and the many grand pets. Family and friends were at the top of his list with love and concern. He would be ready to help anyone if he could. After marrying he worked for Freeborn County, Morlea/Marigold Dairy, UPS, Briggs Transportation and lastly Yellow Freight. He commuted to work for 23 years to Mason City and Mpls/St. Paul in his two Honda Civic cars for a combined milage of 1 million miles. He retired April 1999, after 44 years as a proud member of the Teamster Union. He also worked part-time jobs driving school bus, driving gas transports and painting signs. Charlie was proud to to be a contestant or volunteer helper for the MN State Truck Driving Championships since 1970 and even went to Nationals one year and several years placed in the top three. Charlie was involved with his community by serving as PTA President for Halverson School, District PTA President and served on the Planning and Zoning Board for seven years. One of his passions was snowmobiling of 40 years. In the 70's he worked with County Engineer Joe DuPont to develop the snowmobile trail system. He was involved with the certification of young snowmobilers since the first class in Albert Lea. He spent numerous hours doing grooming and signage for the trail system and finally passed this duty along when he was 70 years old. A second passion was his 3 motorcycles, scooter and trike. The 2002 Goldwing 1800 trike was his last bike; nicknamed Tweety Bird. He enjoyed his rides and being part of the Goldwing Chapter R. Left to cherish the love and memories of Charlie's legacy are: Carol wife of 59 years, Son Terry, Daughters Connie (Ken) McWilliams, Patricia (Dolf) Moon, Karen (Andy) Cibert, Joann (Scott) Belvitch and Laura. Grandchildren: Michelle Moon (Jon Crowe), Amber Moon, Keith (Celina) Moon children of Patricia; Heather Garcia daughter of Karen and Brian Sparstad son of Joann. Great Grandchildren: Trey Garcia son of Heather; Carter and Cora children of Keith. Brother: James. Smith-in-laws: Keiko and Gloria. Johnson-in-laws: Robert, Kathryn, Ihlajean, Betty, Lavonne, Diane and Cindi. He has numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death: Parents; Ambrose (Hap) 1976 and Florence 1988. Siblings: Linda 1958, Patrick 2004, Dennis 2011 and Raymond 2014. In-Law: Diann (James) 1991. Charlie will be greatly missed and remembered for a great many things. Final interment will be at St. Theodore's Catholic Cemetery, Albert Lea, MN at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.
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