Charles Mahovlich

Who ever coined the phrase “the long goodbye“ referring to Alzheimer’s and related dementias was spot on. Charlie succumbed December 16 after a several years battle with this demon. He was born July 8, 1946 to Charles and Virginia (Dalton) Mahovlich in Virginia, Minnesota, and grew up in Gilbert. He graduated from Gilbert High School in 1964 enjoying football, hockey, baseball and acting in plays. After two years at Eveleth Junior college he furthered his studies in Elementary Education at Bemidji State College graduating in 1968. That fall he began his 30 year teaching career at Pine Bend Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights, MN where he taught 6th grade and coached girls softball and basketball and was on his unions negotiating team. He made a lasting impression on many students evidenced by the many accolades received during his illness. Charlie had a wonderful sense of humor and had many friends being best man or groomsman at countless weddings. He enjoyed hunting and fishing making several trips to a remote Canadian resort to guide. He was a wonderful cook and master knife sharpener and proud to say he always paid his way.

 Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by sisters Gail (John Tomsich) and Jayne (Glen Burchell) and many life long friends the oldest of which is Jack Brula.

 A service will be held at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert on May 7th with visitation at 10, service at 11 with cemetery burial and a celebration of life lunch at the Gilbert VFW following..