Earl Charlson

Earl Beacher Charlson, son of Oscar and Maggie Burke Charlson, was born November 24, 1915 at Story City. He attended Randall Public School then later started farming with his father. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a member of the 71st Infantry Regiment of the 44th Infantry Division until 1947. He was severely wounded and returned to the U.S.A. where he spent 18 months in a military hospital. On October 1, 1942, he married Salena Vivian Koestner at Princeton, Missouri. Following his discharge he entered a Veterans electrical training program and began working for Brooks Brothers Rewind Shop in 1949. He worked there until 1983 when he retired. Mr. Charlson is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Martina Housken Charlson of Lake Charles, Louisiana; brother, Mike Charlson of St. Ansgar, IA; sisters, Sylvia Doolittle of Story City; Ethel Lenning of Spring Park, MN; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Orville, Carter, Lyle, and Billy Charlson. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post # 191. Memorials may be given to: Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter 1730 -- 28th Street West Des Moines, Iowa 50266