Charles “Charlie” S. Fagerlin, 92, of Merrill, died Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a short illness.
Charles was born August 9, 1921 in Superior, Wisconsin to Charles & Nora (Jacobson) Fagerlin. He married Clara Hessler April 5, 1946 in Superior, WI. She died December 7, 2000.
Charles was a 1939 graduate of Superior Central High School. He served in the United States Army Signal Corps as a radar operator in India and Burma during WWII. Following his discharge after the war, Charlie completed his Bachelor of Education degree at Superior State Teachers College June 5, 1947. He began his music teaching career in Nekoosa, WI in 1947 with stops in Clintonville, Stevens Point and Monona before retiring in 1977 after 31 years. Charlie and his wife, Clara, then moved to Merrill in 1978. He worked part time as a janitor for Park City Credit Union for several years. Charlie was an avid woodworker and a member, and eventually president, of the Merrill Area Artist’s Association. He was also a member of the Lincoln County Commission on Aging Board for a number of years and wrote the “Charlie Sez” column for the group. Charlie was very involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, from which he received the Caregiver of the Year award. Along with woodworking he enjoyed traveling, especially to Lake Superior where he loved to see the ships sailing on the clear blue water. Charlie was a gifted writer and enjoyed writing for the Foto News regarding being a caregiver for the Alzheimer’s Association. He had volunteered many years for Eldershare where he made woodworking kits for the older gentlemen.
Charlie is survived by his son, Stan Fagerlin, of Merrill; daughter, Diane (Michael) Everson, Merrill; granddaughter, Kristine (Adam) Baker, Cudahy, WI; brother, Warren (Dorothy) Fagerlin, Barron, WI; two nephews, Steve (Cathy) Fagerlin and Roger (Ann) Fagerlin; niece, Marie (Dan)Hastings; grandnephews and nieces and great-grand nephews and nieces.
A Funeral Service for Charlie will be held at 6 PM Monday, October 7, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Smallman will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM also at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Bell Tower Residence. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.