Obituary: Charles H. Roatch

Private family graveside services for Charles H. Roatch, 86, of Fairmont, Minnesota were held this week at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont after a service at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont.

Charles passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at the St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth.

Charles H. Roatch was born March 8, 1938, in Cloquet, the son of George and Martha (Heikkila) Roatch. He attended school in Barnum and graduated from Barnum High School with the class of 1956.

Charles worked as a millwright at Potlach for 43 years, retiring in June 1998. In his retirement, he drove truck part-time and continued working for an additional 14 years.

In March 1978, Charles was married to Roxanne Earhart in Moose Lake. The couple made their home in Esko and later Fairmont. They also enjoyed wintering in Weslaco, Texas for several years.

Charles was active in the community in Barnum. He was a member of the Barnum Commercial and the Barnum Fire Department. Charles was also a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Club, and the Cloquet Labor Temple.

In his spare time, Charles enjoyed traveling and time spent outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved working on crafts and treasured spending time with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Cheryl (Doug) Olson, Sandy (John) Schwoch,

Charlene Roatch and Alan Roatch; stepchildren Michael (Nadine) Gatewood, Gary (Stephanie) Gatewood, Dawn (Mike) Stubblefield, Penny Hanson, and Dana (Jennifer) Earhart; 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Roatch; wife, Roxanne Roatch; stepson Kent Earhart; brothers, William Stone and George Stone; and a sister, Florence Gabelson.