Charles "Chuck" Carney

Charles Irving Carney (Chuck), 71, of Fargo, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, died at home surrounded by family on December 26, 2016.

Chuck was born October 5, 1945, in Fargo, ND, the son of Wilbur (Bill) and Esther (Anderson) Carney. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo. Outside of a few years on Pelican Lake, MN, and a few months in St. Louis, MO, Chuck was a lifetime resident of Fargo. He graduated from Central High in 1963 and attended North Dakota State University. On August 19, 1966, he married Bobbi Hill, who remained his devoted wife until his death.

Chuck and Bobbi celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2016, through those years they remained a team. To be sure there were ups and downs, good times and bad, but their love, support, and teamwork provided them with a resolve to endure whatever came along.

Involvement in the church and community were also important to Chuck. He was particularly proud of his time with the NDSU Teammakers, Olivet Lutheran Youth Groups, YMCA, and later in life, his work with the Fargo AirSho and flood relief for the US National Guard at Olivet. Along with his support of these groups, few parents immersed themselves into their children’s activities like Chuck. If the kids were involved in it, Chuck was involved in it. His fondness for Bison athletics never wavered, and once he became a grandpa he enthusiastically attended his many grandchildren’s events. Chuck’s talents also were found throughout the many places he worked. At heart he was a salesman, but his resume was as long as it was varied. He left an indelible mark on both the people and the businesses he worked at over the years. His time spent at Bob Fritz Sporting Goods, Casey’s Sporting Goods, Town and Country Realty, Merrill Lynch, and finally, Coach’s Choice were all rewarding to him.

Chuck enjoyed many things but was most happy in his kitchen and shop. He was a welcoming host who was comfortable cooking for 2 or 200, and he delighted in time spent pounding nails, making sawdust, and fixing things. He felt good when he could help others with their jobs. Firepits and decks were a particular strength of his, places where friends and family could gather. Skiing, working in the yard, listening to music, playing with his dog Sasha, and sitting in the sun were other favorite pastimes of Chuck’s. He loved to laugh, tell jokes, and spend time surrounded by family and friends. One just smiled more in Chuck’s company.

With Chuck all things were possible. He was a hard worker and big thinker who believed in getting things done...and getting them done now. Rome wasn’t built in a day because Chuck Carney wasn’t in charge. He simply felt that if one started something, they should finish it. He lived that motto.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi, two children, Jennie MacFarlane and husband Jim (Moorhead, MN) and Chad Carney and wife Christine (Minneapolis, MN); his grandchildren: Peter, Megan, Cameron, Jack and Ava; his beloved nieces and nephews, and the rest of his relatives and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Esther Carney, and his brother, Bruce Carney.

Memorials preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Roger Maris Cancer Center.