Charles Moilanen

Charles “Chuck” Moilanen, 79, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, August 23, 2010, at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Charles William Moilanen was born March 3, 1931, to Frank and Jennie (Huotari) Moilanen in Brocket, ND. He attended country school and graduated from Brocket High School. He then attended NDAC, after which he joined the Air Force and served from 1953 to 1955. On March 9, 1956, Charles married Erva Rainsberry in Lakota, ND. He taught in Rolla, ND. They moved to Fargo, where he taught at NDSU and received his Masters Degree in Mechanical Agricultural Engineering. He retired from NDSU in 1992. Chuck and his wife enjoyed 18 years of retirement living in North Fargo and wintering occasionally in Arizona. Chuck touched many lives through volunteering at the American Legion Bike Shop, Hope Lutheran Church and local food pantry. He also stayed busy looming rugs, creating stained glass, gardening and fixing “everything”. He is survived by his wife, Erva; five daughters, Kathlyn (Derek) Wade, Charleston, SC, Teri (Dan) McKenna, Vail, CO, Valerie Updegrave, Newport Richie, FL, Sandra (Tim) Rich, Duluth, MN and Sonja (Rick Olwell) Moilanen, Bismarck, ND; brother, Albert Moilanen, Brocket, ND; three sisters, Elvi (Paul) Johnson, St. Louis Park, MN, Beatrice (George) Thompson, Alpena, MI and Edna (Max) Straka, North St. Paul, MN and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, George and Oscar Moilanen and sisters, Lillian, Matilda, Irene, Elizabeth “Betty”, Mamie and Laura. Funeral: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 10:30 AM at Hope Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.