Charles Olesen

Charles Alfred Olesen was born April 1, 1935 in Tyler, Minnesota to Carl and Thyra (Faaborg) Olesen. He was baptized and confirmed at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Tyler, graduating from Tyler High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Orleans, France where he was in charge of supplies, and was honorably discharged in 1956. Returning to Tyler, he worked on the farm and at the Chevy garage in town, then went to school to learn the trade of shoe repair. He owned and operated shoe repair stores in Wakefield, Nebraska, Lamberton, Minnesota, and Lake Benton, Minnesota. Charlie was known for his skill in working with leather and liked the best quality. While operating his store, he also served as Chief of Police for five years in Lake Benton and four years in Wakefield. He worked his way back to Tyler in 2014.
Charlie served in Lutheran congregations in the communities where he lived, having served on church council and teaching Sunday school. At the time of his death, he was a member of Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. He was very patriotic and a member of the American Legion for close to 60 years, serving, in 1973, as Post Commander in Wakefield. Charlie was an advocate for education and was active in Passport Club, an elementary school geography program. He enjoyed college courses at Dakota State University, Augustana College, University of Sioux Falls, and University of Minnesota and was proud of his successful course work. He enjoyed traveling, playing whist, and collecting stamps. He was an extensive reader of history, liked to study theology, and participated in Bible study groups. He authored the book “One Shining Star over a Dark Continent” and was proud of his Danish heritage.
Charlie is lovingly remembered by his younger sister, Carol Ekberg of Tyler, Minnesota and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret Therkildsen and Norma Sharratt; and two brothers, Arild Olsen and Roger Matson.