Charles Vernon DeVorak, 81, of Bertha, passed away Friday, Sept. 14, 2007.
He was born Nov. 16, 1925 in Bottineau, N.D., the son of Frank and Ruth (Berger) DeVorak. He attended school in Adams, N.D. through the sixth grade. He and his family moved to Federal Dam, Minn., and he graduated from Boy River High School.
He served his country throughout World War II as a Radio Man, First Class. He served aboard many ships and in all of the theatres of operation during the war. After sailing around the world three times, he wass was discharged in December 1946.
He returned to Minnesota and began working for Great Northern Railroad as an agent. On June 1, 1957, he married Marjorie Johnson. He worked at many different locations in Minnesota but he made his home and raised his children in Bertha. After working for Great Northern for 44 years, he retired in 1985. He also worked as a school bus driver for many years.
He was a member of the Bertha Fire Department for more than 20 years. He also served his community as an EMT with Bertha Ambulance; he served on the city council and was a member of the commercial club. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW.
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He enjoyed singing, especially his own songs. He liked everyone to have a nickname, had a great sense of humor and liked to pull pranks. He enjoyed sporting activities; he encouraged his children in sports and enjoyed attending their activities. His grandchildren were very important to him. He loved to golf; and he loved golfing with his buddies.
A memorial service was held Thursday, Sept. 20 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena. The Revs. Tracy Weaver and Rob Nelson officiated. Honorary casket bearers included Gordy Ova, James "Bunny" Brockemeier, Isaac Kamrud, Gary Begeman, John Johnson and all of his golfing buddies. Interment was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria ( www.andersonfuneral.net ).
Survivors include his wife, Marge DeVorak of Bertha; a son, Charles DeVorak of Running Springs, Calif.; daughters, Kim and husband, James Popp, of Hutchinson, Minn., Tammy and husband, Neil Schlichting, of Eagle Bend, Wendy and husband, Terry Kohler, of Alexandria, and Stacy DeVorak, and fiancée, Tim Roberts, of Grapevine, Texas; and eight grandchildren.
