Lelia Marie Charais, 96, of Fisher, MN, died Wednesday evening, May 27, 2009, in the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Lelia was born on May 22, 1913, in Nauvoo, Illinois, the daughter of Otto and Della (Casey) Steiner. At the age of two, she came to Minnesota with her parents, who soon settled in Roome Township near Eldred, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended District School #110. On September 9, 1934, Lelia was united in marriage to Clarence R. Charais, and the couple also made their home in Roome Township, where they farmed until their retirement. Clarence passed away on November 8, 1979. Lelia remained in her own home and enjoyed her flower gardens and well-maintained lawn until, at the age of 90, she moved into the Summit apartments in Crookston. Lelia was an active member of her community and was a life-long member of the First English Lutheran Church in Eldred, serving with the church ladies aid for many years. Lelia also belonged to the Eldred Homemakers Club and the Crookston Garden Club. She was also an active member, student leader, and adult leader for the 4-H Club. Lelia will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include a son, Dale (Laura) Charais of Fisher, MN; daughters, Delsie Foreman of Gilbert, AZ, and Corrine Charais of Bloomington, MN; beloved grandsons, Alec (Susie) Charais of Andover, MN, and Brad (Shawna) Charais of Fargo, ND; great-grandson, Allen Charais; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Besides her husband, Clarence, Lelia was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Carol; two brothers, Merle Steiner and Glenn Steiner; and a sister, Fern Emard.
The funeral service for Lelia M. Charais will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, June 1, 2009, in the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston, with Rev. Tim Winterstein, officiating. Visitation will be in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Sunday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, and also for an hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Eldred Cemetery in Eldred, MN. Memorials preferred to the Eldred Cemetery Fund and Our Savior’s Weekly Radio Broadcast on KROX radio.
The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.
