Charles "Charlie" Kiesow

Charles Kiesow, 84, of Goodridge, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his residence with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Goodridge, MN with Father Bryan Kujawa presiding. Burial will be at Jerusalem Cemetery,
Charles Frederick Kiesow was born on May 15, 1941, in Moylan Township, rural Goodridge, Minnesota, the son of Erick Emil and Mary Katherine (Cullen) Kiesow. He attended country school and later Goodridge High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. Following high school, Charlie continued his education at the Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI) in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
On November 26, 1960, Charlie was united in marriage to Louann Marlys Lappegaard at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Their union was one of deep love and partnership, and together they built a life rooted in family and community.
Charlie was a hardworking man with a diverse career. He worked as a farmer, mechanic, and milk truck driver, and spent time at a Texaco Station. His true calling, however, came later in life when he began teaching. In 1989, he started substitute teaching in the Automotive Technology program at Northland Community and Technical College (NCTC) in Thief River Falls. On December 7, 1995, he became a full-time instructor, a role he held until his retirement on August 19, 2008. Charlie often said it was the best job he ever had-he loved sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation of mechanics.
Charlie made so many lifelong friendships at work and many of his former students kept in touch. He absolutely loved catching up with former students and co-workers.
Charlie told stories with such passion and detail you'd think it was his lifelong calling! He took every chance he got to share his memories and shenanigans with anyone who would listen!
Charlie had a deep appreciation for John Deere tractors-both real and toy models-and enjoyed attending auction sales and the Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag. He loved driving around the countryside, keeping an eye out for deer and checking on the crops. Above all, his favorite pastime was visiting with his family and friends.
He was an active member of his community, serving as a Moylan Township officer and a proud member of the Goodridge Lions Club and the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls. Charlie also volunteered with Marshall County Social Services, generously giving rides to people across the countryside. He was a charter member of the 2 Cylinder Club for 29 years, sharing his love of vintage tractors with fellow enthusiasts.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Louann of Goodridge, MN; and their children: Linda Brown of Thief River Falls; Steven Kiesow of Goodridge; Alan (Tami) Kiesow of Newfolden, MN; and Tony (Nicole) Kiesow of Goodridge. He was a proud grandfather to Mandy (Jason) Schuster, Becky (Erik) Holter, Katy (Tyler) Verbout, Alec Kiesow, Alexis (Tanner) Skansgaard, Kayla Kiesow, and Hunter Kiesow; and great-grandfather to Olivia Schuster, Claire Schuster, and Hudson Charles Skansgaard-due to arrive July 20, 2025. Charles was especially proud that his first great-grandson would carry his name.
He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Mutnansky and Phyllis Neuschwander; sisters-in-law, Ramona (David) Burczyk, Darla Schermer, Christy Lappegaard, Jody Lappegaard, Samantha Lappegaard, and Marcy (Wayne) Fairbanks; brother-in-law, Duane Lappegaard; as well as several nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many dear friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and generosity.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Robb Brown; brothers, Paul Kiesow and Lawrence Kiesow; sister, Arlyne Neuschwander; brothers & sisters-in-law, Irene Kiesow, Paul Mutnansky, Lawrence Neuschwander and Floyd Neuschwander, Pat & Wally Heaton, Jerome Lappegaard, Arlene & Duane Bjerke, Dale Lappegaard, Danny Lappegaard, Mary Ann & Greg Weyer, Larry Schermer; mother & father-in-law, Alice & Dewein Lappegaard.
We know Charlie would be so touched and honored to see all the love and support you have shared with his family and humbly would say, "thank you, thank you, thank you!"