Charlie Mcerlane

Charles Joseph "Charlie" McErlane, age 91, of Lakota, ND passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center under the care of Mercy Hospice.

Charlie was born September 16, 1919 at home in Whitman, ND, the son of Charles F. and Fannie (Terrett) McErlane. He graduated from Whitman High School in Whitman, ND, and attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN before enlisting in the Air Force. During World War II he was stationed throughout Central America as an Ordnance Officer with the Air Force. After the war he returned to Larimore and began working for the Johnson Store group. In 1948 he moved to Park River to manage the Johnson Store. In 1951 he moved to Lakota to own & operate a Johnson Store. He later owned and operated the Fairway Foods grocery store as well. He married Margaret J. "Muggy" Kowalski on June 27, 1950 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Larimore, ND. They made their home in Lakota for 54 years.

Charlie is survived by his son, John (Michele) McErlane and their two sons, Patrick McErlane of Iowa City , IA and Dr. Michael McErlane of Brooklyn, NY; his brother, James (Patricia) McErlane of Placerville, CA; and his sister, Mary (Richard) Mowbray of Bowie, MD.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret "Muggy"; his parents; 4 brothers, Maurice, Terrett, Francis, and Edward; and 2 sisters, Margaret and Patricia.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Lakota on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. The Celebrant will be Reverend Father Scott Sautner. Music will be provided by the St. Mary Church Choir, Barbara Johnson is the organist. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the Church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the staff of the Good Samaritan Society-Lakota and Mercy Hospice of Devils Lake.