Charles H. Backstrom

Prof. Backstom was a wonderful educator and a great intellectual and he loved politics. His introductory class got me into politics, for which I will be forever grateful. Minnesota has lost a great son. Thank you, Professor.

Professor Backstrom was an outstanding professor, and he truly inspired me to become an electoral scholar in political science. He was an excellent classroom teacher, and he also functioned as my academic adviser when I was an undergraduate. He also hired me as a research assistant to update the 100 Precinct Sample. It was experience that served me well.

After I graduated from the U of M, we continued to talk periodically about elections and the state of politics. We would also commiserate about particular election officials that we both agreed were especially stupid. Since there was an election in Minnesota just this week, I think that Charles and I would be talking about it right now if he were here. I only hope he got his absentee ballot in.

When fresh out of college, I used Charles as a reference when seeking a state job, and it turned out the hiring person knew him personally. Charles's recommendation helped me get the job. Then Charles called me and told me how crazy this person was and asked if I really wanted to work there. He was right about that too.

After he retired, I applied to graduate school in political science. Charles wrote a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I do not know exactly what was in it -- Charles did not share such letters with the subject -- but I was admitted to graduate school. Charles continued to give me pointers about my research when I was in graduate school, even though he was retired.

In 2003, when the Charles Backstrom scholarship was launched at the U of M, Charles came in for a ceremony, and there was an exhibit of some memorabilia from his life and career. He was particularly proud of his service at Nuremberg. This material later made it into his autobiography "Making History." I treasure my personally autographed copy of that volume.

Charles was one of the leading political scientists of Minnesota at a time when it was widely regarded as a model political system.

Peace to Professor Backstrom's survivors and to his memory.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Professor Charles Backstrom was an inspiration to me and ranks as one of the most outstanding educators in my life. He was an accomplished scholar, demanding teacher and inspiring friend. His respect for others knew no bounds and his love of politics and country was obvious.
My sincere condolences to the Backstrom family and special thanks for sharing your husband and father with so many appreciative students.
He was one of kind.

I will remember Charles as a loving and caring father who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and their friends.

He was well loved and will be missed.

Our thoughts are with all of the Backstroms.

Bill, Sarah, Natalie and Ryan

Barb and family,
Charles was a fun-loving, intelligent, decent, kind man. His faith and his scholarship were inspirational. You are in my prayers.

Anne,
I was saddened to hear that your father passed away. I will never forget how he taught me how to make ice cream, relax on the Caledonia farm and most importantly the value of being active in politics. He influenced me is so many ways and for that I will always be thankful. May God Bless and keep you and your family.

I don't know of anyone who knew more about the early Aztecs than Charles. We were in high school together.

Charles was the definition of a "good man". He was open, thoughtful, creative and committed. I thought of him first as a family man, then as a teacher and supporter of students, then as a community member and citizen. I will miss him.

It was an honor to be part of Charles life and to share stories with him.

I spent much of my junior and senior high school years hanging out at the Backstrom home, playing games and eating dinner there. My thoughts are with the whole Backstrom family at this difficult time. Special greeting and big hug to Anne.

We will miss Charles. He impressed me everytime I spoke with him. I was particularly struck by his attitude about his illness. He said that he never expected his body to last forever. I still hear his beautiful low voice singing those beautiful refrains. We grieve with you.

Liz Pierce

Charles was one of my favorite colleagues. His humor, his concern for students, and his commitment to his profession made him a pleasure to work with and a role model for many of us in the Department of Political Science. He had a great career and an even better life.

The story of Charles' life is an inspiration. His example and memory will remain to guide us for years to come.

Ralph & Jackie Marino

Charles was always so interested in the world around him and was a joy to be around. He was a fount of wisdom, humor, and knowledge. At the church bake sale I always ran first to the baked goods to buy Charles' home-made bread and rolls. He fed our bodies as well as our spirits. My family and I are blessed to have known Charles.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Backstrom family at this sad time.

What a great person was Charles Backstrom. Our whole family mourns his loss. We are so glad for the summer/year that we got to know you.

When my son was young, and loving to pretend fighting and wars with his action figures, etc., I sent him to Charles so he could hear Charles' view of war. Charles could talk to anyone/and he would. When I was discouraged years later about something happening with my son, Charles would come and tell those stories back to me and smile that way he did, with his face a little turned askew. These conversations with my son were a gift twice. Priceless, really.

We are sorry to hear about Charles, your prayers with be for you and family in the days ahead.

All our love, Doug, Sandy. and Paul Vigoren