Charles Backstrom

Charles Backstrom, 88, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the Broen Memorial Home.

Charles Wesley Backstrom was born on January 28, 1922, in Maddock , ND to Charlie and Annie (Stadum) Backstrom. He lived on the family farm 4 miles northwest of Maddock with his parents, one older sister, and three older brothers. He attended Hesper public school from grade one to grade eleven and then attended Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls , MN , graduating from Hillcrest in 1939. He then returned to Maddock and rejoined his father on the farm. About this same time he began to serve as a church pianist, first at the Hesper Evangelical Free Church, then at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Maddock, and then at Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock where he served for more than 25 years.

He married Margaret Rangen of rural Maddock on December 14, 1944. Their first child, a son, David, was born in February of 1946 and over the next 19 years eight additional children were born to Margaret and Charles. Charles continued to farm with his father until 1956 when his father passed away. Subsequently, Charles continued to farm alone while supplementing the family income by tuning pianos as time permitted. In 1970 Margaret and Charles moved the family to Bismarck , ND and Charles began to tune pianos as his primary occupation. He tuned pianos throughout the state of ND as well as neighboring states and Canadian provinces with clients ranging from individuals to several governors of ND to the International Music Camp. Early years in Bismarck included substantial involvement in the establishment of a new Lutheran Brethren congregation there. Charles continued his music ministry in Bismarck as the church pianist at Grace Lutheran Brethren Church for 15 years following its inception. During the Maddock and Bismarck years Charles also traveled with several Lutheran Brethren gospel quartets, serving as accompanist on trips to both coasts as well as other itineraries. In 1987 Margaret and Charles moved to Silver Bay , MN where they enjoyed semi-retirement and the beautiful sights of the north shore of Lake Superior . While there they traveled each Sunday to Superior , WI to Zoar Lutheran Brethren Church where they served as pianist and organist for six years. In 1992 they moved to Fergus Falls to be nearer to family. In 2001 they moved into Sheridan House where they continued to be involved as musical accompanists at Broen's Light and Life auditorium, and Charles also played hymns weekly in the Sheridan House dining area. In 2008 Charles took up residence in Broen Home where he could still frequently be found at one of the several pianos situated throughout the home, playing from memory the hymns requested by his fellow residents.

Charles had additional interests outside the field of music. He read quite extensively and invested many hours studying Christianity and the Bible. He memorized numerous Bible verses and lengthy portions of Scripture, including several of Paul's epistles in their entirety. As a youth he participated in several athletic endeavors and followed that up in subsequent years with an active interest in local as well as national sports and sports teams. Also, those who knew Charles would attest to his humor and quick wit and his ability to deliver well-timed quips and comebacks.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and three brothers, and a son, David. He is survived by his wife Margaret; three daughters: Rachel (Robert) Streifel of Woodbury, MN, Eunice (David) Christenson of Fergus Falls, MN, and Lois (Edwin) Cheeseboro of Woodbury, MN; five sons: John (Cheryl) of Northfield, MN, Joel (Jane) of Buckeye, AZ, Stephen of Azle, TX, Timothy (Aida) of Ft Lauderdale, FL, and Clement of Burnsville, MN; 27 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, July 9 ^th from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Light & Life Auditorium at the Broen Memorial Home and one hour prior to the service at the church

Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10 ^th at Bethel Lutheran Church , Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev Ed Monson, Rev Ken Austin, Rev Joel Backstrom

Burial: Zion Cemetery , Maddock , ND

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences to: www.glendenilson.com