Charles Wilcox, 76, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN with Reverend Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 13, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service on Friday evening and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Charles Richard Wilcox was born on December 2, 1931 to Charles Edwin and Bessie Harriet (Randal) Wilcox in Chouteau, Montana. He spent his boyhood in Montana and then moved to Minnesota. He was thankful for his childhood growing up with the sheep herders and horses in Montana and the grain farmers in Minnesota. He got the best of both worlds. He attended school in Gary, MN. He was united in marriage to Gertrude TenBos, the mother of his children. They raised their children in Newfolden and Thief River Falls, MN. He drove truck for City Dairy and Holsum Bread. He did janitor work for the employment office. He drove truck for Arctic Cat and retired from Schneider Transport. He then worked part time for the City of Thief River Falls and also drove school bus.

Charles loved golfing and watching sports. He was a sports nut! He enjoyed spending time with his family. Playing cards with his friends was always enjoyable. He spent many winters in Pharr, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Stratton, Dallas, TX, 5 daughters: Peggy (Vernon) Gunderson, Newfolden, MN, Patricia (Jerome) Nelson, Newfolden, MN, Jamie (Michael) Distel, Viking, MN, Julie (Corey) Skjerven, Thief River Falls, MN, Tami Wilcox, Newfolden, MN, 14 grandchildren: Shannon Gunderson, Mya (Shane) Zutz, Steve (Amanda) Nelson, Jill (Jason) Edin, Micah Distel, Jacob Distel, Courtney Skjerven, Casey (Anna) Skjerven, Justin Skjerven, Melissa Skjerven, Nicholas Wilcox, David Wilcox, Charel Weckwerth, Cole Anderson, 14 great grandchildren: Cassie, Jaylon, & Emelia Gunderson; Thomas & Mavrick Nelson; Tayton, Gunner, & Gannon Zutz; Storm, Sunny & Shylo Edin; Coby & Cooper Skjerven; Bridger Wilcox; 2 sisters: Sharon (Wayne) Anderson, White Bear Lake, MN, Joy (Louis) Husman, Becker, MN.

Charles was preceded in death by his son Charles David Wilcox, parents, brother James Wilcox, and granddaughter Kari Lynn Gunderson.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com