Charles Frank Armstrong, 80, of Crookston, MN, passed away Monday afternoon, August 6, 2018, at the RiverView Care Center in Crookston with his loving family at his side.
Charles was born on September 24, 1937 to Lee and Frances (Novak) Armstrong at their home in Roseau, MN, and grew up on his parent’s farm near Euclid, MN. In 1955 Charles graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, also known as ‘The AC.’ He was the captain of the “Aggie” cross country team and a two-year letter winner in the sport. After graduation Charles was employed by the Pioneer Steamship Company for 2½ years, traveling on the Great Lakes delivering iron ore, coal, and grain to various ports. He worked hard and saved his money, and upon his return purchased a ¼ section of land from his father and began farming. While continuing to farm, in 1960 he also began working for the American Crystal Sugar Company in Crookston. His career with Crystal would span over 40 years until his well-deserved retirement.
Charles was united in marriage to Janet Eleanor Hill on April 20, 1962 at the First Presbyterian Church in Crookston. Charles and Janet were blessed by the births of their 3 sons: Rodney, Rick, and Kevin. They made their first home in Crookston before moving to the farm at Euclid. During a 5-year period in the mid-1960’s Charles served with the MN National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. In the fall of 1981 they moved from the farm back to Crookston.
The family spent many wonderful summers with their camper at Rogers Resort on the Upper Red Lake. Charles enjoyed deer hunting on the home place near Euclid, and fishing with family and friends every chance he got. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Crookston, Euclid American Legion Post #539, and Crookston Eagles Aerie #873. In April of 2012 Charles and Janet were honored at a Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration held at Fisher, MN. The day was wonderfully planned by their daughters-in-law, Deb and Wanda and many beautiful memories were made. Charles was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be very sadly missed.
Charles is survived by Janet, his beloved wife and best friend of 56 years; their 3 sons: Rodney Armstrong and wife, Deb, of West Fargo, ND, Rick Armstrong and Kevin Armstrong and wife, Wanda, all of Fisher, MN; and 7 grandchildren: Shannon, Faith, Lindsey, Karen, Josh, Madison, and Logan. He is also survived by 4 siblings: Dave (Rosie) Armstrong of Euclid, Agnes Sellin of Red Lake Falls, MN, Ellen (Walley) Johnson of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Nancy (Galen) Peterson of Fort Collins, CO; 3 sisters-in-law, Janet “Dolly” Armstrong of Lander, WY, Ginney Armstrong of Thief River Falls, MN, and Lorraine Armstrong of Breckenridge, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Frances Armstrong; 3 brothers: Joe, Harry, and Art Armstrong; a sister and brother-in-law, Esther (Medi) Cota; and 2 brothers-in-law, Henry Cota and Jim Sellin. May God bless the memory of Charles Frank Armstrong.
A memorial service for Charles Armstrong will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN with The Rev. Elise Pokel, officiating. Visitation with the family will be at the Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-7 pm, with a 7 pm prayer service and time of memory sharing, and visitation also for one hour prior to the funeral. Military Honors will be provided by Euclid American Legion Post #539 and the MN National Guard Honors Unit of Moorhead, MN. Inurnment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.
