Charles B. Wilkes

Charles B. Wilkes, age 81 of Park River, ND passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the First Care Health Center of Park River. Charles B. Wilkes was born October 14, 1929 in Portal, ND the son of the late Lawrence and Mary (Roller) Wilkes. He attended rural schools northeast of Bowbells, ND and graduated from St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Langdon, ND in 1947. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1952 serving as a MP. Following his discharge he returned home and farmed with his parents near Langdon. In 1955 he took over the farm and farmed until 1957. He later moved to Park River and worked in the Livestock Auction Market with his father. He worked part-time as a police officer in Park River for several years and worked as an auctioneer from 1958-1971. He later worked as a security guard at the PAR Site from 1970-72. In 1972 he started running the feed lot in Park River and drove cattle truck until 1987 when he started working for area farmers. He retired in 2000. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church where he was very active in Ushering, Eucharistic ministry and served as a lector. He was also a member of the Paul Farup American Legion Post. He enjoyed woodworking and recycling scrap iron. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by his sister-in-law Maxine Wilkes, Park River, ND; nieces and nephews: Endora (Jeff) Wilkes-Blanchard, St. Thomas, ND; Patrick (Nicole) Wilkes, Rolla, ND; Sandra (Paul) Wilkes-Stigaard, Seattle, WA; Sarina (Greg) Hankins, Upper Marlboro, MD; grand nieces and nephews: Dacotah & Joshua Blanchard, Colten, Carson and Kyleigh Wilkes. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul, an infant brother and sister. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post.