Charles James Moore, age 97, died peacefully with loving family at his side, Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at Laurels Peak in Mankato.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father John Kunz celebrating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour before the service. Interment with Military Honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Charles was born July 14, 1918, in Beauford, MN to Edward and Emma (Neller) Moore. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1937, and attended DeVry Radio and Television School in IL. Charles enlisted in the United States Army in 1941, and served as a staff sergeant during World War II in the Aleutian Islands. He was an Honor Flight veteran in 2011, traveling at age 92, to Washington, DC to visit the WW II Memorial.
Charles married Elaine St. Peter on June 14, 1943 at the Chapel in the Pines, Fort Lewis, Washington. He founded Moore Oil Company, which he operated for over 40 years before retiring. Ever active in retirement, Charles maintained his keen wit and wisdom throughout his 97 years. He took up rosemaling (winning a statewide award) and portrait painting (self taught). He enjoyed working crossword puzzles daily, playing cards, hunting, fishing and spending time at the family cabin on Madison Lake, and only until recently, keeping up on all the "ear-witness news reports" at coffee shops with his friends. He loved his family dearly. He resided in the home he built for his family until hospitalized in recent weeks. Charles was a long time member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Charles is survived by three sons, Tom (Donna) Moore, Keith Moore, and Dan Moore (Laura) all of Mankato; five daughters, Marcia Goldberg Harris of Minneapolis; Marilyn (John) Ruddy of Afton, Peggy (Tim) Sherman of Rochester, Catherine Pappas of Golden, CO; Mary Beth (Michael) Schwartzbauer of Mankato; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother, Burton Moore of Brooklyn Park; sister-in-law, Jean Ward of Mapleton; good friend, Tilda Schneider of Madison Lake; many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine on November 15, 1983; grandson, Thomas C. Moore Jr.; half-brothers, John C. Ward and Franklin Ward; half-sister, LaVerne (Henry) Johnson.
Charles Moore's family wants to thank the staff at Laurels Peak for the excellent care given our father.