Charles A. Bren, 90, Dickinson died Friday, February 13, 2009 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Charles’ Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, February 16, 2009 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan with Military Honors provided by the Dickinson Honor Guard following the mass. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service with a Knights of Columbus rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Ray Jilek presiding.
Charles A. Bren was born January 19,1919 at New Hradec to Frank and Mary (Stranik) Bren. Charles attended school in New Hradec. After completing his schooling, Charles helped his dad on the farm until being drafted into the U.S. Army in May 1941. He was honorably discharged in November 1945 at which time he returned to North Dakota and bought his own farm west of New Hradec. Charles married Lillian Sadowsky on June 30, 1947 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, New Hradec. Charles and Lillian lived on the farm until he retired in 1976 and they moved to Dickinson. Charles continued helping his son, Erv, with the farm work until 1986.
Charles was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Workman. In his spare time he enjoyed reading and visiting with family and friends.
Charles is survived by his wife, Lillian; two children, daughter, Jan (Don) Bullinger and son, Erv (Lori) Bren, all of Dickinson; five grandchildren, Scott (Wendy) and Sheldon (Kristi Ziegler) Bullinger, and Travis (Aura), Tyson (Teresa), and Sadi Bren; four great-grandchildren, Brittney and Aaron Bullinger and Triton and Madelynn Bren; brother Jerry (Dorothy), and two sisters, Elsie Franchuk and Sister Mary Elsa Bren.
Charles was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, two infant brothers, one infant sister, and one grandson, Shawn Bullinger.
