Raymond A. Charlton

Raymond A. Charlton, age 88 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

Raymond Alvin Charlton was born March 19, 1928 in Stephen, MN the son of the late Raymond James and Marguerite Estella (Sinnott) Charlton. He graduated from Stephen High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 27, 1946. He served on the USS Antietam in Quam, Saipan, Truk, New Guineas, Australia, China, Japan, Hawaii and the Philippines. He was discharged April 8, 1948. Upon his discharge he completed his education at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Raymond was united in marriage to Joanne C. Maher on October 25, 1952 in Hastings, MN. Joanne died October 16, 1967. He married Lucille Berg Erlendson on September 26, 1969 and Lucille passed away July 28, 1997.

Ray was employed by Grafton National Bank at Grafton, ND in June of 1951, transferring to St. Cloud, MN in February of 1970. He returned to Grafton in October of 1972 as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norwest Bank. He served in that capacity until his retirement on June 30, 1988.

Ray was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served on the parish council. He served as secretary and treasurer of the church, served as Chairman of the Parish Finance Council, served on the Diocesan Finance Council and served on the Diocesan Long Range Planning Committee. He was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council #3918 and taught religious education classes. Ray was very active in the community as well, serving as President of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce, Grafton Toastmasters Club, Lutheran Sunset Founders Board. He served on the City Planning Commission, Regional Planning Commission, Senior Citizens Board, Heritage Village Board and Chairman of the VFW Board of Directors.

Ray is survived by his children: Raymond J. (Gloria) Charlton, Grafton, ND; Joseph G. (Lori) Charlton, Vancouver, WA; Diane (Jeff) Woll, Mason, OH; David (Olivia) Charlton, Gurnee, IL; Gail Erlendson, Detroit Lakes, MN; seven grandchildren: Kate Charlton, Annie Charlton, Garret (Kara) Johnson, Faithe (Terry) Jenson, Kerry (Ben) Breyley, Kevin Woll and Eric Woll; four great grandchildren: Aiden, Elyse and Anna Johnson and Emily Jenson. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, daughter, Catherine Charlton, siblings: Joseph Charlton, Mary Anne Charlton, Marguerite Johnson, Ardyce Carlson, John Charlton, James Charlton and son-in-law, Paul Knosalla.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Stephen’s Catholic Cemetery, Stephen, MN. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to the St. John’s Haiti School Project or the Walsh County Food Pantry.