Charles Anderson, 89, of Victor, Montana, died August 19th after a long illness. He was born on the family farm near Niagara, North Dakota, and was the seventh of 10 children born to Mortinus and Florence Anderson; he had two brothers and seven sisters.
Charlie’s strong work ethic was evident from a young age. He was drafted into the Army in 1954 at the age of 19 and underwent basic training in Fort Leonard, Missouri. His skills were used in Korea, where he specialized in bridge construction. This early experience in the Army set the tone for his future as he continued to work hard in all aspects of his life.
After returning to the States, he moved to Great Falls, Montana, to find work. There, he met the love of his life, Rose Remillard, in the fall of 1958. After a year of dating, the two got engaged and married on October 31, 1959, at St Joseph’s in Great Falls. The newlyweds moved to Polson, Montana, in August of 1960 and welcomed their first child, Thomas, that October. The family continued to stay in Polson for five years, and Catherine and Carol were born in 1962 and 1963.
In August 1965, Charlie began his long career of driving with The Finest Oil Company. This career change prompted the family to move to the Bitterroot Valley, where their youngest child, Charles Jr., was born in March 1967. Charlie eventually worked at Stevensville Feed and Fuel, where he worked for 18 years until his retirement. In addition to Feed and Fuel, Charlie was a dedicated bus driver for the Stevensville school system. He took pride in his position and was known for always having the cleanest bus.
Charlie loved his family; he was always involved in various activities for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charlie was a people person; he would talk to anyone who would listen for as long as they were willing to stand there. For 25 years, Charlie was a volunteer fireman in the Polson, Florence, Stevensville, and Three-Mile areas. Charlie was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, and he enjoyed helping others in any way he could as long as he could tease you the whole time. He was a serious card player and played to win. Charlie and Rose were avid square dancing participants, taking them on many travels. No matter the adventure, one thing was sure: Charlie would eventually find himself a vanilla ice cream.
Charlie is preceded in death by his daughter, Carol; his parents, Mortinus and Florence; his brothers, Edward and Fred; and his sisters, Rosalie, Marie, Pearl, Frieda, Katherine, Jeannete, and Rosemary. He is survived by his wife, Rose; his children, Thomas (Dawn), Catherine, and Charles; his 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A vigil service will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Missoula. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 11 a.m., also at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. A reception will directly follow the mass in the fellowship hall at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Stevensville. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.