Charles Ahlstrom

Charles “Charlie” Keith Ahlstrom, age 87, passed from  this life at Mayo Hospital (ER) in Mankato on the evening of April 18, 2023. Celebration of Life will be held from 10am-1pm Saturday April29 at Woodland Hills Funeral Home with Military Honors at1pm. woodlandhillsfh.com

Charlie was born on June 13, 1935 to Delbert W. Ahlstrom and Florence P. (Cole) Ahlstrom in Mankato, Minnesota. He lived in Florida from 1941 to 1946 while his father served in the Navy. He returned to Mankato with his family in 1946.

Charlie graduated from Mankato High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Army in October 1954 with his brother Donald. He attended basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He served in Korea and was honorably discharged in September 1957. He attended Mankato State University from 1957 to 1961. He played on the MSU basketball team that won Division Titles in 1960 and 1961. Charles married Christine Carol Chantos on December 26, 1964, and they had two children.

Charlie was self-employed as Ahlstrom Glass Service, was a life member of VFW 950, Mankato, and raced homing pigeons with the Minnesota River Racers Club. He served on many boards and leagues as secretary and/or treasurer. During his working years, he was a regular for breakfast at the Wagon Wheel Café, his favorite meal of the day.   Charlie was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, and golf. He looked forward to college basketball reunions, fishing trips to Canada, and trips to Laughlin, NV. He treasured the lifelong friendships he made along the way through these activities. Charles and Christine took vacations together and as a family. Most recently he looked forward to casino day trips with his wife and children. He was known by many names, Charles, Charlie, Chuck, Chug, Dad, and Papa. He was friendly, had a good clean sense of humor, liked his sweets, and loved where he made his home.

It all started in September 2022 with a fall requiring 16 stitches to his forehead. He recovered from that, but three more health obstacles were in his future that fall. He spent time at Mayo Hospital-New Prague and finally Pathstone. He was able to come home for good on December 10, 2022. But first, Diamond Jo Casino to celebrate! Home was adapted to his changed physical needs. We all did what we could do and think of to make it work for his benefit. Charlie never stopped trying to get stronger and better and was faithful about his physical therapy. He was in good spirits. God Speed Dad.

Surviving Charlie are his devoted wife and caregiver, Christine and children Pamela Ann and David Charles and grandson Charles Cole Robb; brothers Russell (Dee) and Larry (Debbie) and sister Mary Palmquist and their families. Preceding him in death were his parents, a niece Debbie, sister Barbara Smith and brothers Donald and Robert. Charlie (Dad) will be dearly missed.

Special thanks to the Mankato Mayo Hospital ER staff who provided compassionate care and worked to make Dad’s last hours as painless and peaceful as possible.

Dear old Dad

you told me you were

Called me #1 son

of that you made sure.

I'd laugh and say

but you only have one?

You'd laugh back

and we'd share in the fun.

Time passes quickly

and I was late to realize

That the moment can end

in the blink of an eye.

I grieve for you now

wishing more had been said

I buried my feelings

that's just what we did.

The danger in being close

and showing you care

Is the void you're left with

when they're not there.

But I'd be a fool to regret

any time that we spent

No matter how fleeting

it seems it all went.

I wonder what you'd think

as all this unfolds

How much you'll be missed

can you possibly know?

And as I write

wondering how this will end

You were more than a father

you were my best friend.

To my Dear Old Dad

from your #1 son

Thanks for always being there

and showing us love.