Charles L. Eldredge Sr., 78, of Luck, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2014. He was born and raised in St. Paul and graduated from St. Luke's Catholic Elementary and Cretin High School. He met Marion Lyness while they were students at the Colleges of St. Thomas and St. Catherine. The couple married in 1958 in Fessenden and, upon completion of his National Guard assignment, made their home in St. Paul. He was employed by the 3M Company for 16 years in animal care and home product development. In 1975, the couple and their children relocated to Marion's hometown of Fessenden, N.D. They farmed before purchasing the Wells County Free Press and Harvey Herald, later combined to the Herald-Press, in 1983. Charlie continued to be active in the business, well into his retirement. He and Marion have enjoyed living permanently at their home on Blake Lake, Wisconsin, since 2001.

In 1993, Charlie obtained his Masters of Theological Studies degree from the University of Dallas. He was an active member, song leader and trustee of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Fessenden. He performed in many community theater productions. He served as president of the North Dakota Newspaper Association and served in leadership roles with the Harvey and Fessenden Kiwanis Clubs, Prairie Toastmasters, Top Hat Playhouse board, St. Aloisius Medical Center board, Economic Development board, Fessenden Group Home, Limited and the 4th Corporation. He served on the Fargo Diocese Board of Education and was editor of the diocesan newspaper, the New Earth, for several years. At their home parish in Wisconsin, Charlie has been increasingly involved in lay ecclesial ministry and adult faith formation.

He was the consummate loving husband and family man, delighting in time spent with his large family and introducing each generation to the wonders of the outdoors. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by parents Chester and Hortense Eldredge. Survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marion L. Eldredge; daughters Mary Eldredge-Sandbo (Sherman Sandbo) of Des Lacs, N.D., Anne Ehni of Fessenden, N.D.; Lisa Haag (Tim) of Ham Lake, Minn., Jenny Eldredge (Cameron Potts) of Elk River, Minn; sons, Charles L. Eldredge Jr. (Jennifer) of Elk River, Minn., John Eldredge (Davonne) of Mosinee, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother, C. Thomas Eldredge (Jerie) of Fridley, Minn.

Visitation 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Williamson-White Funeral Home 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, WI (715) 268-7111 and 1 hour prior to services at the church. Mass of the Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Our Lady of the Lakes 507 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI. Memorials preferred to Adoption Option Council of Minnesota, P.O. Box 75, Elk River, MN 55330.