Hon. Charles Barnes

Obituary of Hon. Charles T. Barnes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles T. “Chuck” Barnes on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the age of 91.

Chuck was born July 15, 1928 in Flint, Michigan to Thor and Mabel (Simonson) Angvik. His father, Thor died when Chuck was two years old, and his mother then came to Duluth. She and Chester Barnes were married in 1933, and Chuck and his brother, Richard were adopted by Chester.

Chuck attended public schools in Duluth, including Riverside Elementary, East Junior High, and Duluth Central, graduating in 1946. He then entered UMD, graduating with honors with a degree in Business and Economics in 1950.

On September 1, 1950, he married the love of his life, Mildred Bradburn of Littlefork, Minnesota, who graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. Millie and Chuck moved to St. Paul, where he entered the St. Paul College of Law (now the Mitchell Hamline School of law) in the fall of 1950, and passed the Bar Examination in July, 1954. Millie and Chuck returned to Duluth, where he began the private practice of law with Tom Dorle, a well known lawyer in West Duluth. Chuck had always wanted to try cases, and when the opportunity arose he went to work for the law firm of Dancer, Montague, Applequist, Lyons, Nolan and Nordine, remaining there from 1955 to 1979 as a trial lawyer.

Upon retirement of Judge C. Luther Eckman, Governor Albert Quie appointed Chuck to the State District Court in the 6th Judicial District. He was honored in June of 1989 to be elected as the President of the District Judge’s Association, made up of the 250 active judges then in office. He was a long-time member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and served locally and state-wide.

Shortly after Chuck’s retirement on September 1, 1993, he and Millie moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they enjoyed friends, the weather, and golf. Chuck loved golf, and he was good at it, chalking up four holes in one over the years. Millie and Chuck returned to Duluth in March of 2007 to be close to their friends, family, children and grandchildren.

Chuck was a long-time active member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, and while in Arkansas he was a member of the Bella Vista Community Church. He served in many capacities in both churches, including choir, where his beautiful tenor voice was often showcased.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thor Angvik; his mother, Mabel Barnes; his adoptive father, Chester Barnes; his brother, Richard Barnes and Richard’s wife, Barbara; by many loved aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved wife, Millie.

Millie and Chuck were married for 69 years. Chuck’s love for Millie was demonstrated every day, and especially in his daily unwavering devotion and care for Millie in her lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. Chuck missed Millie tremendously after her death on July 28, 2019, rejoining her after only five months.

Chuck is survived by his loving children, Jan Barnes of Edina, Joie Acheson Lee (Tim) of Duluth, Susan Barnes Elliott (Bruce) of St. Paul, and Robert Barnes (Sarah) of Duluth. Also surviving Chuck are his beloved grandchildren (called The Tigers by Millie and Chuck), Kate Scattarelli (Cole), John Acheson (Sarah), Annie Acheson, Christian, Joseph and Claire Barnes, Max and Charlie Elliott, Dan and Doug Lee. The birth of his great-granddaughter, Rose Acheson in March of 2019 brought great joy to Chuck – they had a special bond. Chuck is also survived by his brother, David Barnes (Edith) of Houston, Texas and his sister, Nancy Barnes McKenna (Ken) of Duluth; sister-in-law, Marilyn Bradburn of Flagstaff, Arizona; and many, many loved nephews, nieces, and friends.

Chuck’s family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Kathy, Don and Melissa of The Pines III and St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice, (especially Drs. Perry and Roazen and the wonderful Hospice nurses) for their support and kindness to Chuck and his family during his last months and days.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota at 10a.m.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Hon. Charles
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cremation Society Of Minnesota | Duluth
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