Obituary of Charles E. Nightingale

Charles Ellis Nightingale Jr, age 97, passed away with his family by his side on June 7, 2017 at Auburn Homes in Chaska, MN. Preceded in death by parents: Charles Ellis and Mary W. (Carlson) Nightingale. Survived by his sister June (Nightingale) Messick; 3 children: William (Yuen) Nightingale, Suzan (Mike) Petersen, and Terri (David) Dlouhy; 11 Grandchildren; and 13 Great-Grandchildren. Charles “Charlie or Buzz” was born October 13, 1919 in International Falls, MN. Graduated from Washburn High School (1938). Married Margaret “Margie” Hadley on September 23, 1942, during his service in the U.S. Coast Guard. They celebrated 72 years of marriage! Charlie was an athlete who loved baseball, as a sport and as a lifetime fan. After high school, he played in the Milwaukee Minor League for a short period of time in his “star” positions: shortstop and second base. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1941 as an Apprentice Seaman; was promoted to Chief Storekeeper on The 467th Submarine Chaser during WWII, protecting the U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean; and was honorably discharged as Chief Petty Officer in 1946. Due to his organizational skills; mathematical preciseness; attention to detail; and through his commitment to work ethic; integrity; and diligence he became successful in sales employed by Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills; Wood Conversion/Clark Products, Inc; Airtex Industries, Inc; and Illbruck International/USA. Charlie “Buzz” was known for wearing bow ties to work and social events; working with his hands constructing “big” projects such as garages, screen porches, customizing cupboards and home bar, pigeon houses, rabbit hutches, yard/dog fences and gates, landscaping with flowers and railroad ties; known for teaching Sunday School classes at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church; active member as a “Shriner” in the Zuhrah Temple of Mpls; member of Skyline Dance Club; enjoyed reading; and knew how to host a party! Upon retirement, he and Margie enjoyed “snowbirding” to Yuma, Arizona where he played golf and enjoyed friendships/socializations. Remembered as a loving husband and supportive partner; an understanding father who shared his wisdom when his children needed guidance; projected his strength in spirit intertwined with humor, firm opinions based on logic, intellect, and factual information; independent thinker; firm decision-maker; and disciplinarian. It was important to Charlie to be able to provide for his family; maintain a comfortable and loving home complemented by many family outings. Charlie was a proud man who served God; his country; and his family with courage and dignity. Charlie will be truly missed and forever cherished in our hearts! Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in MN.