Steven “Chuck” Summers

Steven Charles Summers, better known as Chuck, passed away peacefully in his home in Fargo, ND on January 14^th, surrounded by his family and friends. Chuck was born on September 19^th, 1957 in Brookings, SD. Chuck will be lovingly remembered by his wife Dyan, his children Riley and Kellen (Vanessa) and his granddaughter, Naomi Mae. Chuck will be fondly remembered by his brothers Rustin (Jodi) and John (Anne) and by his nieces, nephews and great niece, Brittany (Ross) and Layton Romdalvik, Jared Summers, Courtney (Josh) Sowl, Jack Summers and Kate Summers.

Chuck formed deep connections and lifelong friends when he married into the Svingen family and will be fondly remembered by his brother and sister-in-laws, Peder (Sue Barton), Paul (Suzann), David (Julianne), Dan (Ila) and Donna (David) Lite, and by nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, Scotti, Macy and Rae Adrian, Justin, Ada, Maeve and Felix Svingen, Davis (Anna King), Stella and Lucia Svingen, Eric (Theo Benji) Svingen, Kyle Svingen, Leah (Nick) Jesse, Emily Svingen, Elena Svingen, Evan Lite and Ryan Lite. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Mary Anne and John Summers; his in-laws Dale and Margaret Svingen; and his infant brother John Rustin.

Visitation will be held at Wright Funeral home in Moorhead on Thursday January 23^rd from 5:30-7:30, with a prayer service at 6:30. The funeral service will be held at First Congregational-United Church of Christ in Moorhead on Friday the 24^th at 2:00 pm.

In his youth, Chuck’s family moved frequently due to the nature of his father’s work, with several formative years spent in Diamond Bar CA. A constant throughout his and his brother’s lives was playing baseball with their Dad. All that practice paid off when the Summers boys were represented on All-Star teams in southern California and later in ND. Trips to ND, SD and MN during this time maintained close connections with family and created treasured memories. They moved to Valley City ND while Chuck was in high school, where he added cross country track to his interests. In Valley City, he developed a sense of community and formed lifelong friendships. Following Chuck’s graduation from high school he enrolled in UND attending for two years. He then served in the Marine Corps for four years.  Following his honorable discharge from the Corps he worked in computer operations while simultaneously attending NDSU earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. In graduate school, Chuck worked as an In-Home Family Therapist while finishing his thesis. It was during this time in his life that he met and married his best friend, Dyan Summers née Svingen. Once he completed his graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy he joined The Village where he worked for 25 years in various roles of increasing responsibility. Chuck enjoyed his work as a family therapist, and throughout his life he served as a member on various boards and consortiums. Through his creativity, he contributed to the development of programs dedicated to the support of the underserved.  He took pride in the rehabilitation work he performed with batterers and sex offenders.  Chuck made it clear that serving his clients and being a resource to the community for all those years was one of the great honors of his life.

But above all, Chuck would say his greatest roles were as a father, grandfather and husband.

Chuck developed an avid interest in the sport of curling. He enjoyed playing on a team and formed closed friendships with many members of the curling community. He remained involved in the sport until his illness prevented further participation.

In lieu of flowers Chuck asked that those who are able would please donate to the Rape and Abuse Crisis center.

We invite you to add stories and thoughts of Chuck to the comments section below to help us continue to celebrate Chuck’s life.