Charles Lester Nergard

1929 - 2017

Charles Lester Nergard

1929 - 2017

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1929

DIED

2017

Charles Nergard Obituary

Name: Burial for Charles Lester Nergard
Start: 2017-11-14T16:00:00.000Z
Location: All Saints Cemetery

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 14, 2017.

Charles Lester Nergard

"There comes a time in our lives when there is no easy way to say goodbye. On Thursday, November 9, 2017 Charles "Chuck" Nergard went home. He loved God, his family, friends and country with everything he had inside of him. He was so thankful for the many friends he made along the way and the never ending fight to make things better for all. At the end, there was peace. His body gave all it could.

He served in the House of Representatives from 1967-1978. Served in the United States Air Force, member Trinity Lutheran Church, and gave his time to many organizations over the course of his life.

Thank you everyone for making his life so beautiful. To the staff at Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, Florida, you provided him with respect, dignity and love. He loved you all.

Please join all of his family, Glenn Nergard, Karen Nergard, Cathy Quick, Tim Quick, Summer Nergard, Jennifer Nergard Martin, Jason Martin, Chris Nergard, Marshall Quick, Dillon Quick, and our families and friends in celebrating his life . A family burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery, Jensen Beach on Tuesday @ 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck asked that you mend broken fences, spend time with your family and get involved."

Arrangements entrusted to Yates Funeral Home, Port St Lucie, FL.

Memories may be shared at www.YatesFuneral Home.com.

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Recent Activity

November 16, 2017

Rev. Craig Bode posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2017

Gloria Van Treese posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2017

Terrell Sessums posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Rev. Craig Bode

November 16, 2017

Charles Lester Nergard was born on February 6, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Lester and Gertrude (Schultz) Nergard and younger brother to Harriet. He was brought to the Lord in baptism on April 7, 1929 at Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago, and was raised in the Christian faith, confirming his faith at Tabor Lutheran in 1945.

After graduating in 1947 from Roosevelt High School in the Albany Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, Chuck enlisted in the newly formed United States Air Force, beginning the lifetime of public and community service that defined his life. He also continued his education at Schurz Junior College, Wright Junior College and George Williams College in Chicago.

Chuck found love and a devoted wife and companion of 31 years in Catherine Misheck, whom he met through mutual friends at work and married on May 5, 1956 in Chicago. Following marriage Chuck and Kay moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, drawn there by its warm weather, business opportunities and family who lived there. They bought and operated the White Sands Motel, while Chuck also sold insurance and began a lifelong career in real estate. On May 8, 1958 they joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Pierce becoming lifelong members and faithfully serving their Lord in almost every capacity, while enjoying the fellowship and friendship of God's people there. They excitedly welcomed into their home a son, Glenn, in 1958 and a daughter Catherine in 1959. Together the Nergards grew in love for each other and their faith in Christ.

Chuck's love for his country and strong interest in the welfare of his community and its citizens led him to seek and be elected to public office as a Republican in the Florida House of Representatives where he served with great dedication and commitment for 11 terms from 1967 to 1976 and from 1978 to 1990, representing the 76th District, encompassing St. Lucie County and portions of Martin County. Many of his legislative initiatives focused on improving education and programs for the youth of his District. This was always supported by his volunteer efforts with various youth programs as a parent, coach, counselor and mentor to many. Chuck gained a reputation for fairness as a skilled negotiator and mediator of disputes. He was also active as a member of the Sons of Norway and Elks Lodge, always reflecting a passion for public service and carrying out his life mission of giving back to his community and its people and looking out for the "little guy." The Nergards remained treasured and much-enjoyed friends to many throughout their lives.

On June 9, 1987, Chuck lost the "love of his life" and his lifelong partner when his beloved Kay died suddenly as a result of an ongoing heart condition. Their love and devotion to each other remains an impressive testimony to family and friends of the beauty and pricelessness of a Christian marriage.

The difficulties of age and illness in recent years that included surgery to remove prostate cancer in 1995 and suffering a major heart attack in February 2010 led Chuck to move closer to his daughter, Cathy, in the Tallahassee area. Following a stroke in 2014 Chuck moved into Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, where he always had a cause and continued to serve and care for his "constituents" who greatly appreciated his engaging personality and the life and song he gave to them. As an avid and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan he saw the realization of his long-denied dream of a World Series Championship come to Chicago last year.

This past Thursday, November 9, Chuck finally succumbed to pneumonia as his Lord Jesus called him home to be with Him in heaven and enjoy the reward of eternity gained for him by His Savior. His mortal remains will be laid to rest, with those of his wife, Kay and his parents at All Saints Cemetery in Jensen Beach.

Chuck was a singular example to family and friends of an energetic Christian faith, marked by strong character, resilient determination, dedicated service to others and persistent friendliness, always concerned for the interests and good of all and advocating for the people privileged to have him in their lives. His example will move us to get involved and his strong desire to bring people together will encourage us to mend any broken fences and forgive as Christ forgives us all. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, loved one and public servant he will be greatly missed as a true friend and servant of us all.

[Obituary by Rev. Craig H. Bode presented at the graveside Committal Service at All Saints Cemetery, Jensen Beach Florida on November 14, 2017]

Gloria Van Treese

November 14, 2017

Cathy and family, so sorry about your loss. May your fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time in your life. Your dad and your mom are together again and watching over all of you. My prayers for you and your family.

Terrell Sessums

November 14, 2017

I was privileged to serve in the Florida House of Reps. with Chuck from his election until 1974. I knew him to be a fine person and able member of the House. He leaves his family with a wonderful legacy of love and service. I send my sincere condolences to his widow and family. Terrell Sessums, Speaker of the House, 1972-74.

Ken Mascara

November 14, 2017

To The Nergard Family, Chuck was a true gentleman and patriot. We enjoyed our time with him every time he would stop by our deli just to say hello. Our family is praying for your family during this difficult time. May God be with and bless you all. With Deepest Sympathies, The Mascara Family.