Charles Louis Brouillard, 84, of Crookston, MN, passed away Sunday morning, July 21, 2024, in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston, where he had been a resident since this past May 29th.
Charles was born in Crookston on February 7, 1940, the 5th of 13 children of the union of Vital J. and Florence (St. Marie) Brouillard. While growing up in Crookston, he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, educated at St. Joseph’s Academy Elementary School, and graduated with the Class of 1958 from Cathedral High School. Just 2 weeks later, he enlisted in the US Navy on June 17, 1958, and reported to the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL, for basic training. He then transferred to the Treasure Island Naval Station, near San Francisco, where he received advanced schooling in Electricity and Electronics. The remainder of his tour of duty was spent in the Pacific aboard the USS Dixie and USS Baker as he saw ports of call in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Following his honorable discharge on June 15, 1962, Charles returned to Crookston. Due to his considerable experience as an electrician for the Navy, he was soon employed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and spent the rest of his 50-year career working on Union projects in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine. He then returned home to Crookston to be near his brothers, sisters, nieces, and extended family. In April of 2023, he became a resident of the Summit in Crookston.
Charles was a lifelong fan of country music and while attending concerts over the years he had opportunity to have his photo taken with many country stars. He was a member of several of their fan clubs and had numerous occasions to see them again when he attended the annual Fan Fair in Nashville, TN and We Fest in Detroit Lake, MN. Charles was also a talented photographer and owned several very nice cameras. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish.
Charles is lovingly survived by 9 brothers and sisters including: Richard Brouillard of Crookston, MN, Robert (Billie) Brouillard of Fargo, ND, Sister Rose Marie Brouillard of Wichita, KS, Catherine Brouillard of Crookston, Lloyd (Carol) Brouillard of Spring Lake Park, MN, Mary Beth (Dave) McDonald of Bovey, MN, John Brouillard of West Fargo, ND, Madeline Parks of Grand Forks, ND, and Dan (Lori) Brouillard of Twin Valley, MN; 2 sisters-in-law, Pat Brouillard of Grand Forks, ND and Fran Brouillard of Fargo, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Vital and Florence Brouillard; 3 brothers and a sister-in-law, Donald, Michael, and James (Karen) Brouillard; sister-in-law, Betty Conway Brouillard; and brother-in-law, Leo Parks.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Charles’ life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the Mass. The service will be livestreamed by going to www.crookstoncathedral.com and clicking on the prompt to view. A recording of the Mass will be available for viewing within a few days on his obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com where messages of condolence may also be given. Following the Mass a graveside service for Charles will be held at 3:15 p.m. in the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston with Military Honors provided by the US Navy Funeral Honors Team and the Crookston Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Charles name to the Benedictine Living Community Crookston.
