Charles Lida

Charles Edward Lida, son of Clarence and Virgie (Peterson) Lida, was born on January 29, 1939 in Starbuck. He was baptized on February 21, 1939 and confirmed on June 21, 1953 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry. He attended grade school in Lowry and high school in Morris, where he earned a varsity letter in swimming. He continued his education at the Morris School of Agriculture. As a young man, Charles helped on the family farm. On November 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Mary Sell at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck. The couple bought a farm near Lowry and lived there until 1982, when they sold the farm and moved to Carson, NV. One year later they returned to Starbuck and Charles operated Chucks Welding Shop. Charles was one of the co-founders of the Pope County Flyers, and was on the Ben Wade Township Board for 18 years. He also served on the Pork Producers Board, and was a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard for six years. He had a major role in the remodeling of the Fron Lutheran Church basement, and was a leader of the pledge drive for the Minnewaska District Hospital. Charles was on the committee that brought UHF service to the Starbuck area and was very active in the power line debate, which ran through their farm near Lowry. One of Charles' passions was flying, but he also loved to hunt and fish.



Charles died on Friday, February 17, 2006 at the Knute-Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, having lived to reach the age of 67 years.



He is survived by his wife: Mary Lida of Starbuck and one brother: Douglas (Linda) Lida of Minneapolis. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; one son: Matthew Paul and twin daughters: Carla and Kathleen.



Pallbearers for the service are: Donald Opdahl, Kelly Erickson, Chad Wiswell, Jim McParland, Tom Elbe and Steve Arneson. Honorary Pallbearers are: Jerry Maus, Harvey Wiswell, Jim Johnson, Curt Berg, Larry Moyez, Sheldon Hunt, Dave Arenson, Gurvin Femrite, Jerry Madison, Jerry Jennissen and Marvin Brown. Special music will be provided by Robert, Ted and Jim Wirtz and Barbara Rosten serving as bagpiper.



Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of arrangements.