Dr. Charles F. McGuiggan

McGuiggan, Dr. Charles F. of Mesa, Arizona and Spicer, Minnesota passed away at his home in Leisure World on March 14, 2011 after a 10 month battle with cancer. Charles formerly resided in Marshall, MN. He was born September 16, 1925 to Dr. Charles Anthony and Adeline Lindstrand McGuiggan in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Marshall High School in 1943, he was accepted into the V-12 Navy officers' training program and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Minnesota (U of M), graduating with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1950. He then joined his father in general practice dentistry in Marshall. In 1954, he married Dorothy McConnell of Vesta, Minnesota. He was recalled to military service under the "Doctor Draft Law" serving at the Great Lakes Naval Base during the Korean War and returned to Marshall in 1956. After furthering his education at the U of M, he began to practice Orthodontics in 1965 and established a solo specialty practice until his retirement in 1984. Throughout his life, Charles was very active in many civic and community organizations including the American Legion, VFW, Boy Scouts, President and state vice-president of Jaycees, County DFL chairman and 7th district vice-chairman. He served one term as city councilman and four terms as mayor of Marshall. In Leisure World, he served on retirement community activities including facilitating the investment club and a member of the architectural control committee. Charles was a tremendous supporter of higher education. He was appointed by the Governor to the State Board of Education and the State Board of Vocational Education where he served as chairman for three years, along with membership on the Higher Education Coordinating Board. He was instrumental in establishing Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall and was very proud that five of his six children graduated from SMSU, the other from the U of M. He was the first president of the SMSU Foundation and Campus Religious Center. He was elected to the U of M Board of Regents by the Minnesota legislature in 1977 and re-elected in 1983, serving as chairman from 1985-1987. Charles was a member of the Minnesota Dental Association, American Dental Association, Minnesota Society of Orthodontics, Midwest Society of Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists. He also served as a volunteer fundraiser for the U of M School of Dentistry. Charles enjoyed hiking in Arizona, golfing, taking care of his lawn in Spicer, walleye fishing, grilling porterhouse steaks on Saturday nights, watching sunsets on Green Lake, and most importantly, spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; six children: Dr. Michael (Dr. Jill Fischer) McGuiggan, Winnetka, IL; Dr. Maureen (Dr. Grant) Sorensen, Worthington, MN; Dr. Patricia (Dr. Mark Robbins) McGuiggan, Baltimore, MD; Dr. Mary (Jerry Dargis) McGuiggan, Bloomington, MN; Timothy (Connie) McGuiggan, Espoo, Finland; Ann (John) Kellen, Waconia, MN. Thirteen grandchildren: Lauren McGuiggan; Christina, David, Matthew Sorensen; Thomas, Catherine Robbins; Rachel, Leah, Naomi Dargis; Patrick, Nicole, Sarah McGuiggan; and Amber Kellen. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Patrick and one grandson, Alex McGuiggan. A visitation will be held Sunday, March 20th from 3-5 pm at Washburn-McReavy Chapel, 2300 W Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington MN (952-884-8145). A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 21st, with visitation 1 hour before, at the Catholic Church of St. Edward, 9401 Nesbitt Ave S., Bloomington MN. Memorials to: "McGuiggan Family Endowment Scholarship" at Southwest Minnesota State University or the University of Minnesota Dental School.