Charles Svalen
Charles Svalen, age 95, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, at McIntosh Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Pam Thorson officiating. Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, rural McIntosh. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, August 9th, at the McIntosh Community Center. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine and the Army National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Charles Elof Svalen, Jr. was born on August 16, 1930, in McIntosh, Minnesota to parents Charles, Sr. and Hilma (Enevold) Svalen. He grew up near McIntosh and attended Foot Lake country school and McIntosh High School, graduating in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1948 and was called to active duty in 1950, serving in Korea. He returned to McIntosh in 1951 after receiving his honorable discharge. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1957, completing his term of duty.
After returning to McIntosh in 1951, he lived and worked as a farmhand for the Stardig sisters near McIntosh. Most of his life, though, was dedicated to painting. He did some painting prior to entering the Army after high school but after his military service, made this his life’s work. He began painting with Clifford Olson and then worked for many years with Janice Wikstrand and Russ Horacek. He continued to do painting jobs until he was in his 90’s. In addition to painting, Charles was a bartender at the V.F.W. Club in McIntosh for many years.
Charles was an active person and always on the move. He loved to dance and was a very good dancer. He was a life-long member of the McIntosh V.F.W. Post 6891 and a member of the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine. He enjoyed marching in the Memorial Day parades and was always a flag carrier for the color guard. A good memory for him was skating with his brother, Frank, around Foot Lake. This is something that they did together until Frank’s passing and Charles continued the tradition until recent years.
Charles enjoyed playing the piano and singing. He sang “The Lord’s Prayer” at many weddings and funerals.
He was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church in McIntosh until its closing and was a current member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Though he never had children of his own, Charles thought of his nieces and nephews as his children. Each and every one was very special to him.
Charles passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at McIntosh Senior Living at the age of 95 years, 11 months, and 17 days.
Survivors include one brother, Delano Svalen of Braddock, ND; sister-in-law, Janice Svalen of McIntosh; one cousin, Elaine Mandt; nieces and nephews, Connie (Arnie) Reinhard, Gary Lindberg, Cynthia (Leslie) Bly, Gene (Mavis) Haugom, Carol Reins, Sheila (Kevin) Kachur, Mark Reins, Janet (Levi) Holm, Joey (RaeAnn) Svalen, Jason (Shannon) Svalen, Tammy Svalen-Gimble (Kevin Kermes), Craig (Amy) Svalen, Ryan (Andrea) Svalen, and RueAnn (Dennis) Gallagher; numerous great and great great nieces and nephews and one great great great niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Stanley Svalen, Gladys Lindberg, Clarice Haugom, Irene Reins, Frank Svalen, Florence Svalen, and Muriel (infant); nephews, Lyle Lindberg, Michael Reins and Craig Haugom (infant); and niece-in-law, Terri Lindberg.