Charles Christopher

Charles ?Chuck? Christopher was born October 18, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Arthur and Fern (Field) Christopher. Chuck was raised and schooled in Grand Forks where he graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1955. He continued his education at the University of North Dakota graduating with a BS/BA degree in business and marketing in 1960. Chuck served for six months with the US Army in the medical corps. He also served for four years in the Minnesota National Guard Band in Minneapolis, MN. Chuck was employed by the Theodore Hamm?s Brewing Company in St. Paul, MN working in advertising from 1961-63. In 1961 Chuck was united in marriage to Barbara Graf in Lewisville, MN. This union was blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Lynn. In 1963 the family moved to North Mankato, MN where Chuck began working for A.H. Robins and Wyeth pharmaceutical companies. He worked for these companies for thirty-five years, retiring in 1988. During his employment Chuck received many awards from these companies including the coveted MVP Award from A.H. Robins. He was inducted into the marquis 22nd edition of ?Who?s Who? in the Midwest in 1990. While living in Mankato Chuck volunteered his time to various organizations. He was active in the Mankato Masonic Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He served Christ the King Church on the Board of Directors. Chuck became the charter president of the Southern Minnesota Pharmaceutical Representatives Association and also served as president of the Mankato Morning Sertoma Club. Following his retirement, Chuck moved to Lake Ida near Alexandria, MN. He served for four years as president of the Idawild Homeowners Association. He also became a Life Member of the Alexandria Elks Club. In 1988 Chuck was united in marriage to Ania Baranska from Winnipeg, Canada. The couple enjoyed tennis, golf and many motor home trips and extended travel vacations. Chuck?s favorite activities included fishing, tennis, golfing and playing the tenor saxophone. He played saxophone for many different functions and played in a Dixieland band while spending the winter months in Arizona. Chuck also entertained the residents of local nursing homes. His performances included several of the services at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Most important to Chuck was his family. He was happiest enjoying activities and time spent with the entire family. Chuck especially enjoyed his four grandchildren, Nicole, Mackenzie, Elli and Tucker. On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Chuck died at the age of seventy-five years. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Christopher and wife, Katie, of Prior Lake, MN; daughter, Lynn Gifferson and husband, Tom, of Hutchinson, MN; grandchildren, Nicole Christopher, Mackenzie Christopher, Elli Gifferson and Tucker Gifferson; special sister, Cheryl Gyldenvand of Minnetonka, MN; Nephew, Ryan Gyldenvand and wife, Shelley of Waconia, MN and their children Jack and Blake; and very special companion, Barbara Thompson of Alexandria. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Hans Dahl will officiate. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson, MN. Honorary pallbearers include Ryan Gyldenvand, John Kilpatrick, Dan Berke, Deny Hanson, Stan Seaman, Dick Dronen, Skip Willhelm, Ernie Sayler, Warren Stephanski and Dick Kohnen. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and also one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.