Johnson Funeral Service, Red Lake Falls, MN

Charles Stephens of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at his home in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Officiating and Deacon John Bruggeman. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 5 – 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Charles Arthur Stephens was born January 15, 1929 son of Casper and Arlene (Beiseker) Stephens at Harvey, ND. He attended public school in Grand Forks, ND graduating in 1946 from Grand Forks Central. He volunteered in the US Army and spent one year with occupation forces in Japan.

He held numerous jobs during his life and graduated from UND in 1952, thanks to the G.I. Bill of Rights. Charles was a social worker in Walker, MN for 3 years. He moved his family to Red Lake County, where he was Welfare Director in Red Lake Falls, until retiring in 1987.

Chuck married Madonna Mae Derrick on July 23, 1948 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. To this union seven beautiful children were born. Madonna passed away on May 25, 1962.

Chuck married Monica Louise Schmitz on June 6, 1964 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, and together they raised seven children. He enjoyed competition and was active in many sports. His favorites were marbles, playing ball, roller skating, tennis, ping-pong, golf, billiards, bowling, fishing, hunting and all card games. Chuck and Monica spent many happy years gardening and traveling.

Chuck was very civic-minded, serving with many committees and non-profit boards in Red Lake Falls and other cities in Northwestern Minnesota. He was a lifelong social worker and enjoyed working with and for people. He was instrumental along with other community members in developing Oak Knolls Golf Course, and in establishing Hillcrest Nursing Home. He was a volunteer fireman. Chuck was very active at St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as a Lector and on the St. Joseph Catholic School Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Monica of Red Lake Falls, MN; children Cheryl (Don) Abram of Whitefish, MT, Richard (Teresa) Stephens of Red Lake Falls, MN, Linda (Tom) Ronchetti of Aurora, MN, Karen (Kent) Schultz of Ulen, MN, Mary Beth (Jeff) Lien of Gonvick, MN, Michael (Iris) Stephens of Kalispell, MT, Jill (Jeff) Tunberg of Thief River Falls, MN; 23 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Stephens of Florida; siblings James (Helen) Stephens of Chicago, IL, Kaye BeauLac of Texas along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Madonna, parents Casper and Arlene, brother Richard and sister Helen Bogan, brothers-in-law Louis Bogan and Jack BeauLac, and nephew Danny Bogan.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Red Lake Falls Ambulance, Red Lake Falls Food Shelf, St. Joseph Catholic Church or a memorial of your choice.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com