Vernon P. ’Big C’ Charmichael

Vernon P. Charmichael, age 70, of Frazee, MN, died Saturday, December 29, 2007 in his daughter's home in Hawley, MN, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Vernon Peter Charmichael was born on September 15, 1937 to Vernon and May Nelson Charmichael in rural Ellsworth, IA. His father was a farmer and his mother was a school teacher. During the war they lived with his Grandma and Grandpa Nelson. After the war his mother married Walter C. Anderson. He grew up and attended school in Story City, IA, graduating from Story City High School in 1959. In 1959, Vernon entered the United States Air Force, serving for four years until he was honorably discharged in 1963. He then attended Iowa State College in Ames, IA, receiving his two year Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1965. Vernon enjoyed reading, boating, classic cars, telling stories, sight-seeing, playing ball and loved to work and play outside. He was a member of the VFW, ASE, American Legion and a Life Member of the Air Force Association. He was a loving, patient man who made everyone in his life feel special. He is survived by his step-father, Walt Helen Anderson; five daughters, Chrystal Lura, Verna Olson, Rose Johnson, Sandra Berlin and Suzette Doug Gaasvig; six sons, Colin, Corey and Carson Charmichael, Wayne and Tony Smith and David Meader; three brothers, Richard Mary Charmicahel, Dale Kay Anderson and Mark Heidi Anderson; seven nieces and nephews, 18 grandchildren along with several great-grand children. He was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, Gerald Charmichael and one nephew, Tyler Anderson.