Charles "Chuck" A. Shirley

Charles Avon Shirley, age 82, of Lakota, ND, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center in Lakota.

“Chuck” was born January 31, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Charles and June Shirley.  He attended UND and spent the majority of his life in construction – “a jack of all trades”.

Chuck married Rose Roerick and they raised three children together.  He later married Jeanne Franzen in 1998 and they spent eight years in Washington state, before retiring and moving to Lakota, ND.

Chuck was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served for many years on the Church Council.  He had a longing to know more about the salvation story in the Bible, so he read extra books to gain insight.  He collected Bibles and religious books to compare various religious beliefs, to better understand human history and the origins of Christianity.  He also was active on the Lakota Economic Development Committee for years.  He had a passion for politics and world history.  Chuck was full of knowledge, always had a story to tell, was extremely book-smart, and a real handyman.  He appreciated older appliances and tools, simply because they were made better.  He loved his coffee and would often be seen holding a Stanley thermos full of coffee.  He had a genuine love of trees, specifically apple trees, and would enjoy growing different varieties.  He would offer a homegrown apple to anyone who entered his home, and waited to hear how good it was, which was the real gift for him.

Chuck went through many hardships later in life, such as the loss of his two daughters, Bonnie and Connie.  In addition, his son, Charlie, was in a tragic, life-altering car accident.  Despite these challenges, he never lost his faith and always remained positive.  There wasn’t anyone he couldn’t get along with; he made up his own mind about the world – always lending a hand to anyone in need, even if it wasn’t the popular choice.

Chuck is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Jeanne Shirley, of over twenty-five years; his son, Charlie (Judie) Shirley of WA; his stepsons, Aaron (Anna) Halvorson of ND, and Paul (Amanda) Halvorson of WA; his sister, Ginger (Ken) Kloppenberg of CO; and his brother, Noel and special friend Claudia of AL.  He is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Jacob (Kate) Thomle, ME, Jackie (Darryl) Tabor, WA, Chas (Kelsey) Shirley, WA, Chase Shirley, WA, and Grace and Thomas Halvorson, ND.  He is the great-grandfather of three: Amelia and Sierra Thomle (Jacob), ME, and Irena Shirley (Chas), WA.  He also has two nephews, Craig (children, Lodin and Keagan) and Jerry (Julie) Kloppenberg (children, Kelsie and Corbin) of CO.

He is preceded in death by his late wife, Rose; his parents; twin infant daughters; and two adult daughters, Connie (Doug) Thomle and Bonnie (Leroy) Countryman.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lakota, ND, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Tolna Cemetery, Tolna, ND.

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