Caledonia Argus

Posted: 5/7/02

Charles Roverud

Charles Gerhard Roverud, 81, of Spring Grove, MN, died April 30, 2002, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Charles was born April 4, 1921, in Spring Grove to Gerhard A. and Celia (Newhouse) Roverud. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1939. He attended St. Olaf College for two years and in January 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He served three years and in December 1945 was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

On December 6, 1942, he married Ruth Helen Wigdahl of Mason City, Iowa. They lived three years in Salt Lake City, Utah where Charles was stationed. Returning to Spring Grove, he became associated with Roverud Construction, Inc. Charles became president of the company in 1967 after the death of his father, G.A. Roverud and remained active in the business until his retirement in 1997. He was also a partner in Pederson Brothers of Harmony, Harmony, MN, until 1995.

Charles was active in the community. He served as Cub Master for six years, assisted the Boy Scout Troop and served the Gateway Council as a committee member and vice president. In 1972 he received the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. He was a member of the Spring Grove American Legion Post 249 since 1946 and served two terms as Commander (1957 & 1958). He was active in the Spring Grove Commercial Club and the Lionís Club and served terms as president in both organizations.

Charles was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on various committees. He was president of the congregation for four terms.

He was a member of the Associated General Contractors, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Limestone Institute and the Iowa Lime Stone Association.

He is survived by his wife of almost sixty years; his children: Jeff (Marilyn), Decorah, Greg (Carol), Spicer, Curt (Kathy), Spring Grove and Rebecca (Ben) Hoefke, Spring Grove; 10 grandchildren; and a brother, N.A. Roverud of Apache Junction, AZ.

Charles loved his family and enjoyed sending cards and gifts to his many friends. He was honored to be selected as Business Person of the Year in 1989 and to serve with Ruth as Grand Marshals of Syttende Mai in 1996.

Services were held Saturday, May 4, at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring Grove. Burial with military honors followed at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, 5-8 pm, at the Roble Funeral Home, Spring Grove, and on Saturday, from 10 am until the time of service.

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