Charles “Chuck” Forster, 86, Richardton, died on Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Chuck’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Fr. Basil Atwell, OSB as the Celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Richardton American Legion Theo R. Zech Post 180. Please join the family following the Mass at the Richardton American Legion Hall for lunch. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Robert Bohn presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Charles Forster was born September 25, 1937 in Richardton, the son of Nicholas and Johanna (Schantz) Forster. He was raised and educated in Richardton, having attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Assumption Abbey High School.
Chuck joined the United States Army on October 17, 1956 and served honorably until October 16, 1958. He returned to Richardton where he went to work at George Kilzer Implement Dealership. He then went on and began a 46 years career at Richardton Farm Equipment as the Parts Manager and 20 years as the owner.
Chuck was united in marriage to Jeannette Steier on July 18, 1961 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton and together they made their home in Richardton for 63 years. To this union they were blessed with two daughters, Deanne and Darcy. Chuck has been battling cancer for the last 21 years and 12 years ago had a debilitating car accident.
He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, 68 year member of the American Legion, and served for 33 years as the secretary/treasurer of the Richardton Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed spending time at the lake, boating and fishing, fixing anything broken he was once gifted a shirt that said, “If Chuck can’t fix it throw it away!” and attending his children’s school events. He cherished most of all the time spent with his 5 grandchildren. Teaching them to dig worms, drive his pickup, use a hammer, and most importantly enjoy everyday.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Jeannette; daughters, Deanne (Brad) Willows, Mandan and Darcy (Jason) Hopfauf, Dickinson; grandchildren, Tanner (Kristy) Hopfauf, Dickinson, McCallie Willows, Mandan, Treven (fiancé, Jensen Clarke) Hopfauf, Bismarck, Braylen (fiancé Carter Hanson) Willows, Mandan, and Taya Hopfauf, University of ND, Grand Forks; great-grandson, Joey Hopfauf, Dickinson; and brother-in-law, Roger Zimmerman, Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, James Forster, Rose (Arnold) Hueske, Germain (Randy) Cole, Lucille (Al) Begger, Rita (Robert) Gress, Anita (Larry) Kunda, Glen Forster, Joan Zimmerman, Lillian (Bob) Hunke, and Dennis Forster.
The family would like to give a big thanks to Chuck’s support team, Marc and Joyce Erhardt, Tom and Judy Roll, Deacon Robert Bohn, Perry and Stephanie Erhardt, Fr. Ryan Martire, and the staff at St. Luke’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or the Assumption Abbey.