Charles Holmquist

July 15, 1955 — October 17, 2012 (age 57)

Charles “Chuck” William Holmquist, age 57, passed away in his home October 17, 2012, having suffered from clinical depression and alcoholism for many years. He will be laid to rest at a private gravesite service later this week. A memorial service will be planned for a future date in 2013. Interment will be at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church cemetery, Benson, Minnesota with Pastor Gary Brandenburg officiating. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home of Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Charles, better known as Chuck, was born July 15, 1955 to Roy and Jeanette (Lee) Holmquist in Benson, MN. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Benson High School in 1973. Chuck graduated from St. John’s University in 1977, and went on to complete his degree in Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota. He interned at Evergreen Mortuary in Anchorage and continued to serve several years in Alaska as a mortician with a specialty in aftercare grief counseling. Chuck later served the Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre, MN.

Charles married Connie Chevalier in 1976 at St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN. Together, they raised three children for a time in Alaska and Minnesota. Chuck will always be remembered for his caring and love, both professionally and as a parent, son, brother and friend. He treasured his friendships and secure life in Benson, MN. The family would like to thank the many community caregivers who always provided support- his pastors and congregation, several parish nurses, the Benson police officers, the social workers and counselors, doctors and nurses, downtown retailers, his AA friends and the Swift Co. and Hawk Creek Humane Society caring for Hershey, his dog.

Charles Holmquist is survived by his children Meagan (Michael) Flanagan, Max (Stephanie) Holmquist, Chad Holmquist together with their mother, Connie Chevalier and new grandson, Brady Flanagan, all residing in Alaska; his mother, Jeanette Holmquist and siblings Andrea Carruthers, Philip (Corrine) Holmquist and Mary (Daniel) Lundahl along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Holmquist and grandparents, Alfred and Dora Holmquist and Andrew and Emma Lee.

Blessed be his memory. He is now at peace