Charles (Chuck) Ruschmann Iversen of Detroit Lakes, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Essentia-Oak Crossing after a long illness with Parkinson’s.
Chuck was born on December 1, 1938, in Tyler, to Carl H. Iversen and Anna C. (Ruschmann) Iversen. He graduated in 1956 from Tracy High School in Tracy. He was active in sports of all kinds. After high school he served his country in the United States Army for four years and was mainly stationed in Japan with Special Services. While in Japan he learned the art of Karate. He was a 1st Degree Black Belt and opened his own Karate studio with a friend teaching self-defense.
Chuck met Doris Jean Onnen of Willmar while working in Mankato. The couple were married at Vinji Lutheran Church in Willmar, Mn on June 22, 1963. They lived in Crysal. They were blessed with two sons Keith Charles (KC) and Dean Carl Iversen.
Chuck worked at Western Electric before joining the Minnesota National Guard Unit in Moorhead. In 1977 they moved to Detroit Lakes where he worked full time as a clerk in the National Guard Unit in Detroit Lakes offices. He retired in 1998 after serving 20 years.
Chuck and Doris were members of several organizations over the years. They were members of the Optimist Club, Odd Fellows and Sons of Norway. He held different offices in each of the different clubs. He was known as “Chuckles the Clown” while in the Optimist Clown Club, walking in parades and attended different events representing the club.
He also helped with the Little Britches Rodeo in Detroit Lakes. He and Doris worked with Habitat for Humanity and traveled to the Chicago area to work with their crews. Chuck served on the church council at Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes and was also a mentor for confirmation students.
He loved to bow hunt, fish, and play ball over the years. He was also involved with the Curling Club of Detroit Lakes. His biggest joy was spending time with his sons, KC and Dean, and his grandchildren. He loved spending time and having fun with his brothers and sister. He was the oldest of the family and they always looked up to him and cherished the time spent with him. Chuck was a very loving and caring man and loved to have a great time.
Survivors include, his wife of 61 years, Doris, sons Keith or KC (Jackie) Iversen from Crowley, TX, Dean (Tammy) Iversen of Bellevue, NE, and one sister Carla Ann Pemble of Walnut Grove. There are 10 grandchildren: Nichole (Matt) Rock, Zander Iversen, Jason, Nick and Shawn Clark, Marvin Hamilton, Seasea Stark, Lauren (Steven) Bardot, Xever Hamilton, MonTanna Hamilton, and 6 great-grandchildren: Riker Rock, Octavia Bardot, Chase Clark, Caitlynn Clark, Tracie, Alexandra, and 1 great-great-grandchild Forrest. His sisters-in-law, Shirley Iversen of Kentucky and Nancy Iversen of Tracy,, Connie Feig of Florida, Karen (John) Berner of Mpls, Lori (Michael) AhTou of Seattle, WA, and brother-in-law, David (Katie) Onnen of St. Paul, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ann Iversen, and brothers Gene Iversen, Monte Iversen, Lanny Iversen and brother-in-law, Lester Pemble and Father and Mother In-law, Ken and Edna Onnen.
As a family we say “Bye for now, Chuck, we will miss you. Rest in the arms of Jesus!”
Chuck’s family would like to express they’re thanks to Oak Crossing Nursing Home, Sunny Side Nursing Home in Lake Park, and the Hospice of the Red River Valley for the excellent care given to Chuck during his time of illness. Thank you also to Pastor Ann Jacobson, to the Trinity ladies who served lunch, and to all family and friends that called, texted, sent cards, or brought food to the house.
Services were on July 18 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkinson’s of Minnesota.
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