Charles Bachand of Brooks, MN, age 79 died Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at his residence with his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with Father David Super presiding. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery near Oklee, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, February 19, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Saturday at the church.

Charles Ferdinand Bachand was born in Lambert Township of Red Lake County, MN on October 2, 1936 the eldest child of Onezime and Mae (Turgeon) Bachand. Charles attended Turgeon School until fifth grade and then he attended Oklee Public School graduating with the class of 1955.

Charles served in the United States Army National Guard from May 23, 1959 until his Honorable Discharge on February 2, 1967.

On July 14, 1962, Charles married the love of his life, Carol Jean Boucher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN. They made their home on a farm in Lambert Township and to this union five children were born, Michele, Anthony, Mary, Karin and Kimberly.

Charles began farming while in high school and had been farming since then with his brothers, David and Michael, his son, Tony, as well as his nephew, Jeff Bachand. He worked in Milwaukee, WI during the winters of 1955-1957 and also at American Crystal Sugar in Crookston, MN from 1962-1973. In 1969, Charles and his brothers began operating an aerial spray service which they operated until 1978, when they sold their operation to David Bright.

Charles was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Board of Directors for Brooks Cenex for 20 years and for Pioneer Nursing Home in Erskine for 10 years. Charles enjoyed reading, visiting and having coffee with family, friends and strangers alike, and dancing. For the past 20 years Charles and Carol went to Mesa, AZ for the winter where they enjoyed their time with many friends and family.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Carol of Brooks, MN; children: Michele (Jim) Weber of Golden, CO, Anthony Bachand of Brooks, Mary (Jeff) Novacek of Phoenix, AZ, Karin (T.J.) Dulka of Minneapolis, MN, and Kimberly (Rich) Johs of West Burlington, IA; 14 grandchildren: Madison, Molly, Samantha, Anna, Ally, Beth, Ian, Natalie, Nic, Teddy, Tess, Adam, Rachel and Lucas; brothers: David (Mary Lynn) Bachand of Oklee, MN and Michael (Audrey) Bachand of Brooks, MN; sisters: Elizabeth (Richard) Rolfson of San Diego, CA and Margaret (Dick) Wiedenman of Brooklyn Park, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.