Charles Duane Lavoie

Charles Lavoie, age 89, of Marshall, Minnesota, died under the care of his family and hospice on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at his home in Marshall. Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Interment with military honors will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall. Then a luncheon for attendees will be held back at the church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. also at the church.

Charles Duane Lavoie was born on April 4, 1935, in Florence, Minnesota. He was the second of four boys born to Van and Lucille (Lavalle) Lavoie. Charles grew up on the family farm and was baptized as an infant in the Catholic faith but later received his confirmation in the Methodist Church. He attended school in Russell, Minnesota, and graduated there with the high school class of 1953, where he also played football. He next enlisted in the United States Army. Charles honorably served as a sharpshooter and spent one deployment overseas in Germany. Upon returning home he met Maxine Lacek at a dance.

Charles and Maxine were united in marriage on May 11, 1963, St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, Minnesota. The couple made their home at a farm near Russell for several years before moving to New Ulm where Charles pursued his electrician education at a vocational school in Mankato. He then found work as an electrician in Minneapolis for several years before accepting a position as a State Electrical Inspector for three counties in southwest Minnesota in 1977. He spent the next 20 years in Murray, Lyon, and Lincoln counties prior to his retirement in 1997.

Charles was a member of the Marshall American Legion and later the Russell American Legion. He was also active with the Lyon County Fair Board and a regular at the Marshall Senior Center. He enjoyed a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream to properly celebrate the day. Charles was a dedicated sports fan - focusing primarily on the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He spent free time listening to old country music, attending dances with his bride, catching a local auction to add to his collection of toy tractors or magnets or you-name-it. Charles and Maxine also enjoyed 12 years of trips driving down to Texas where they would stay for a month in McAllen and made many good friends in the southern sun over the years.

Charles Lavoie died peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at his home in Marshall, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. He had reached the age of 89 years, 4 months, and 24 days. Blessed and eternal be his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maxine Lavoie of Marshall; his three daughters - better known as “Charlie's Angels,” Rhonda (and Doug) Magnuson of Maple Grove, Karla (and Mike) Seymour of Alexandria, Michelle (and Dirk) Halverson of Andover; 7 grandchildren, Amanda (and Marcus) Tomsche, Samantha (and Josh) Bednarowski, Tori Seymour, Madison (and Alex) Hughes, Jacob Halverson (and Hannah Pichman), Tyler Seymour, Izach Halverson; 3 great-grandchildren and another boy on the way, Lilah, Robert, Wes; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Lucille Lavoie, and three brothers, Robert (and Aino) Lavoie, Ronald (and Mary) Lavoie, and David Lavoie; and in-laws, Martin and Lucille Lacek.