Date of Birth: August 19, 1943
Date of Death: January 05, 2021
Charley LaFleur (August 19, 1943 – January 5, 2021) passed away after a short illness due to Covid-19 in Arizona. Born to Arthur Charles and Regina (Anne) LaFleur nee Miernicki in Duluth he not only helped raise his siblings, but also later became the patriarch of multiple families over his lifetime. Born and raised in Duluth, Charley returned with his first wife Rosemary after his honorable discharge from the Navy where he served under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1962 to 1966. This service was a point of pride to Charley even in his final moments. He spent his entire work life in Duluth first with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and then with the Duluth Fire Department which he retired from in 2001. Charley also worked as a roofer and contractor and did extensive remodeling as well as built a house and barns for a horse farm with Rosemary. He and Rosemary raised their three children and numerous foster children. Charley later married Joanne Harvey and helped raise her daughters. Late in life Charley met and married Dorothy (Dusty) Youngblom and added her sons and daughters into his loving family. Charley retired with Dusty to Surprise, Arizona and they spent their time traveling extensively when not in Surprise or Duluth. Charley will always be known as an irreplaceable father and avid volunteer for both community and family or friend’s projects. He was always available with his tools, knowledge, experience, and labor for all, often first to arrive and last to lay down his tools. Charley was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Beverly Slade, wives Rosemary and Dusty, stepson Loren Youngblom, and is survived by siblings Carol (Tom) Marsh, Joseph (Pat); his children Michelle (Larry) Barton, Debbie, Christopher (Stephanie), second wife Joanne and her children Jessica (Chris) Ottem, Jori Davis, Jodi; and Youngblom children Lee (Leslie), Darrel (Debi), Dane (Lynn), Keely, Karni (Jeff) Olsen, Keira (Dave Lax), Kathy, Neil (Ann Sullivan), and Kristi. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cousins who are all keenly feeling the loss of this patient, generous, honest, and loving man.
Services will be announced once it is safe for large gatherings. I will miss you Daddio ❤️
He sounds like an amazing man. I only know one of his children; but, he passed his amazing qualities to her. May your many wonderful memories of him lessen your grief. Speaking of him often will keep him alive in your heart.
Uncle Charley and Aunt Ro were my godparents. Charley opened his home to my family so generously summer after summer when we drive up from Georgia. He delighted first my brother and me, and then my four children with memorable tours of the fire house. He was one of a kind and his memory will be cherished by all of us.
We are so sorry to hear about Charlie, such a good and caring person..We will surely miss him. We send our love to the rest of the family. When any of the family is in town please look us up..Love from Jim and Deb
Services to be held at a future date.
May your swing be straight
And the ball fly far
May your round be blessed
With no worse than par
You are greatly missed
Safe travels Charley
The Angels