Charles “Charlie” Vincent, 82 of Bemidji, passed away on October 25, 2021, after a long, hard battle with COPD and Alzheimer’s.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji, MN. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 8, and one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Bemidji. Arrangements are entrusted to Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home. Pallbearers are his nine grandchildren.
Charlie was born to David and Florence (Annis) Vincent on February 25, 1939, in Bemidji. He grew up in Bemidji and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1957. He then moved to Bismarck to work for the State of North Dakota as a land surveyor. He also worked on construction jobs and with his brother Cal putting up steel buildings. He married Linda Hellwig on June 26, 1959, during a tornado in Bismarck. They moved back to Bemidji in 1960 to help on the family farm and he worked at the Hwy 2 Truck Stop as a mechanic. In 1966, the OK Tire Store was purchased and successfully run with business partner Glen Hickerson. After Glen’s passing, Charlie continued to operate the shop until he retired in 2005.
He was an active member of Moose Lodge #1452 where he held many offices including Governor, Administrator, Cook, and Bartender; he was a Moose Legion member and earned the esteemed Moose Pilgrim Degree. He was also a member of the Paul Bunyan Jim Beam Bottle Club, and participated in Bemidji Softball and Bowling Leagues for many years. Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, camping, and spending time with family and friends, but most especially loved teasing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Linda (Hellwig); children Sandy (Jesse) Hickerson, Geri (Steve) Hickerson, Teresa (James) Hanson, Clark (Angela) Vincent, Amy (Frank) Chilson; grandchildren Nathan Kilde, Seth Kilde (Kelly Hays), Jeremy Hickerson, Jacob Hickerson (Crystal Hoodie), Claudia Vincent (Garrett Dufault), Emily Vincent, Ashley (Juan) Meraz, Megan Chilson, Frank Chilson II; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters Avis Kelm, Margie Hirt, Charlotte McDonald (his twin sister), and Grace (Melvin) Olsen, plus many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceded in death by: his parents; daughter Lori Vincent; granddaughter Samantha Vincent; brothers Calvin, Russell, Thomas, and James (“Butch”); sisters Gem Kerr, Lucille Wright, and Ida Heggie.
You left us wonderful memories, your love will be our guide. Although we cannot see you, we know you’re by our side.
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