Charles Noren, 93, of Bemidji, MN died April 20, 2018 at GoldPine Home, Bemidji. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, Bemidji, with Pastor Mike Naylor officiating. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Bemidji. Charles William Noren was born July 16, 1924 to John and Mabel (Herberg) Noren in St. Peter, MN. As a young child, he carried laundry for a neighbor lady who also taught him how to crochet.
He also worked many summers on his uncle’s farm. Bill, as he was also known, graduated from St. Peter High School in 1942. Upon graduation, he went to NYA Camp in Shakopee to learn the machinist trade.
After 3 mos of training, he went to Seattle, WA to work in the shipyards’ machine shop building mine sweepers. He wanted to join the U.S. Navy but wasn’t allowed because he worked in an essential industry. Instead, in June 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Maritime Service.
Training was at Catalina Island, CA and St. Petersburg, FL. He graduated with a 3rd Engineer’s license with the Army Transportation Service. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and Marine Engineer in 1944 and served in the European Theater for 2 years—France, England, Belgium and Germany.
He was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1946 and went home to St. Peter where, on a blind date, he met Dorothea who was doing a nursing school rotation in St. Peter. They were married on November 17, 1946 and had 67 years together. In 1947, they moved to Norwalk CA where he worked at various construction jobs and served in the California National Guard.
After the birth of their daughter, Mary, Charles and Dorothea returned to Minnesota where he attended Northern Business College and in 1951 began working at Security State Bank. He did his best to help all who came to him. Through his work, business and community activities, he made lasting friendships.
He remained at Security Bank until his retirement in 1986. Charles was a member of First Presbyterian Church, BPOE Elks 1052, VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, Bemidji Town & Country Club, Bemidji Curling Club, Treasurer of the Beltrami County Fair Board (30 years), Treasurer Greenwood Cemetery Association, American Swedish Institute, served on the Board of Directors of Security Bank USA and was a member of the Charlie Naylor Coffee Klatch. Charles spent much of his free time doing construction and woodworking projects.
He was known for his craftsmanship and his willingness to help his family and friends. He and Dorothea built a cabin on Myrtle Lake. They did all the work on the inside with the help of family and friends.
Charles built much of the furniture also. Many happy memories are from the time family and friends spent there fishing, hunting, swimming, pontoon rides on the lake, listening to the loons and enjoying time around the camp fire. A very special thank you to the staff at GoldPine Home who lovingly cared for Charlie over the past year and a half and to Mike Naylor who faithfully called on him in friendship and to share God’s love.
Charles is survived by daughter Mary (Harry) Settle, Bemidji; son William (Cindy) Noren, Bemidji; daughter Elizabeth (Ron) Christenson, Wrenshall, son Robert Noren, Bemidji; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Kirby, St. Cloud. He was predeceased by wife, Dorothea, infant daughter, Peggy Rae; infant great grandson, Brady Raatsi; parents, brothers Robert & Lloyd, sister Betty. Online guestbook at www.
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