Charles N. Willette

Charles Norbert Willette, age 91, passed away on March 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 29, 1934, in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to Adolph F. Willette and Cecilia L. (Linder) Willette. Charles grew up on the family farm on Pearl Lake, west of Detroit Lakes, MN. He worked various jobs and lived in several towns before moving to the farm south of Lake Park, MN in 1971. Where he raised his family and lived for over 50 years.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in 1953, serving from January to November before being honorably discharged.

Charles was united in marriage to Carol Schroeder on January 7, 1956, at St. Mary of the Lakes. They shared 15 years of marriage and had 6 children. He later married Suzanne Hegge on December 8, 1972, in North Dakota, and adopted her 3 children; they shared 30 years together.

Faith was an important part of Charles’ life. He was a member of St. Mary of the Lakes, St. Alphonsus in Brooklyn Center, and St. Francis Xavier in Lake Park. He was also a member of the Lake Park American Legion.

Charles enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children: Cathy Willette; Carmen and Randy Dunn; Charlotte and Steve Joy; Candi and Tim Anderson; Dean and Penny Willette; and Jon Willette; as well as his stepdaughter, Kristi Hughes, and son-in-law, Curt Zachariason. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen Reedy, Mary Erickson, Rosalyn Beneke, Margaret Johnson, Cecilia Courneya, and Barb Moehrle; his brother, John (Jack) Willette; and several nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves behind 37 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Cecelia Willette; his wives, Carol Willette and Suzanne Willette; daughters Charlene Zachariason and Robyn Willette; son Charles Willette; grandson Frankie Willette; great-grandsons Austin Gordon and Fernando Rocha; sisters Irene Baumer, Lorna Clark, and Elaine Reynolds; and brother Francis Willette.

Visitation and Prayer Service will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Park, Minnesota, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Park, Minnesota, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to service.