Charlene Vigness

CHARLENE VIGNESS

Waubun, Minn.

Charlene Vigness, 82, of Waubun, Minn., died on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, under the loving care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Charlene Teresa Brunk was born Feb. 15, 1939, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Alice (Stanley) Brunk. Charlene met Edward Vigness and the two were united in marriage on Nov. 8, 1963, and were blessed with two daughters. The couple continued to make their home in Davenport for a time. Ed's employment relocated them to various communities, including West Liberty, Hiawatha and Marion, Iowa, before retiring in the mid 1990s. Char and Ed retired to the lake where Ed, along with his brother and nephew, built the house they called home.

Char was an excellent cook and collected many delicious recipes. She had a heart for animals and welcomed every stray that arrived at her home. Char loved children, so working at the elementary school where her daughters attended was very rewarding for her. She supervised the playground, worked in the lunchroom and, in her final years there, assisted the librarian and secretary.

From all the children whose lives you touched over the decades: Thank you for teaching us how to be kind and loving through your example and by showing us kindness and love. Thank you for every book you read to us, for every game you played with us, for every song you sang us and for every letter you wrote to us. Thank you for every doll you sewed us, every Christmas ornament you made us, every sweater you knitted us and every poncho and afghan you crocheted us. Thank you for opening your home to us and inviting us in when we needed shelter the most. Thank you for feeding us, baking us pies and teaching us to cook. Thank you for taking us on a "special day out," for encouraging us, making us feel valuable and pouring your heart into us. Thank you for attending every school program, sporting event, Christmas concert and grandparents day. Thank you for your passion and joy, for supporting us when others let us down. Thank you for all the times you sat with us, held us and cried with us. Thank you for showing us how to love like Jesus. You will be forever treasured by your legacy!

Char is survived by daughters, Lisa (Craig) Swanson and Wendy (Scott) Draper; grandchildren, Aaron Kehl, Leah (Chris) Lee, Evan (Kelsey) Kehl, Chelsea (CC) Starnes, Lexi Draper, Haleigh Draper and Cheryl (Juan) Manriquez; great-grandchildren, Trista, Hudson, Stella, Ryker, Lucy, Kolton, Robert, Makena, Madison, Eveony, Eskyla and Tristen; and brother, James (Gina).

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ed, in July 2021; and brother, Dennis Brunk.

Blessed be the memory of Charlene Vigness.

At this time, no services are being planned.

Please feel free to sign the guest book, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Online website: www.andersonfamilyfh.com