Charles Lilja, 44, died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at his home in Cavalier, ND.

Charles Chaz Edwin Lilja, 44, of Cavalier, ND passed away unexpectedly at his home in Cavalier, ND on Sunday, March 1, 2009.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Friday, March 6, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. with a prayer service at 7 P.M. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Charles was born December 3, 1964 in Sterling, IL, the son of Larry and Charlene (Olson) Lilja. The family moved to Hallock, MN in 1967 where Charles was raised and attended school. Charles married Lori Springer in June of 1992 in Thief River Falls, MN. Charles worked for the City of Thief River Falls starting in 1988 until 2001. He then moved to Cavalier and was employed at Frost Fire Ski Lodge and Quad Farms. He was currently engaged to Amber Greenwood.

Charles enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping. He especially loved reading and spending time with friends and family. Charles enjoyed listening to music and learning new songs to play on his guitar.

Charles is survived by his mother, Charlene Lilja of Warroad, MN; fiance Amber; Ambers children Mitch and Alicia, daughters: Jessica (Chad) Logelin of Middle River, MN; Randi (Anthony) Dickens of Thief River Falls, MN, and Jade Lilja of Middle River, MN; grandson, Jackson Charles Hoglo of Middle River; brothers: Lorin (Emy) of Olivia, MN, Lee (Kristi) of Thief River Falls; sisters: Cathy (Hil) of Warroad, MN and Laura of Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and his new beloved dog, Baby.

Charles is preceded in death by his father, Larry; grandparents Edwin and Olive Lilja and Earl and Mildred Olson.

Charles Chaz Edwin Lilja of Cavalier, ND passed away unexpectedly at his home in Cavalier, ND on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the age of 44 years, 2 months and 26 days. May his memory be blessed.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

SOLOIST: Miranda Springer I Can Only Imagine
CD SELECTIONS: Tuesdays Gone by Metallica (prayer service)
One Wing In The Fire by Trent Tomlison (funeral service), Simple Man by Shinedown (funeral service)
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace & How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: Ryan Rude, Scott Beito, Rory Wallestad, Mike Guillemette, Randy Harger, Jay Underberg, Tom Vistad, Floyd Helgoe, Chris Helgoe
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Charles loved ones and friends