Charles Flickinger

Charles ”Chuck” E. Flickinger of Hovland died Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at age 84.

He ended a battle against a rare form of lymphoma on his terms, at home, surrounded by his family and near the wildlife he appreciated.

Chuck was born July 10, 1935, to Harold and Olive Flickinger in Santa Monica, California. He overcame a hardscrabble childhood to become an electronics engineer with several patents to his name. He worked on projects including the Library of Congress in-house pneumatic tube delivery system. His most interesting assignment was an early GPS for the first Lunar Roving Vehicle used on the moon. This enabled the astronauts’ return to the Eagle spacecraft from any vantage point. At that time, Chuck’s office included a display window containing a Rover facsimile, surrounded by boulders varying in size from small to huge. Viewing this exhibit deeply impressed his older children, helping them and others understand the impact of his work.

But Chuck considered his family his greatest achievement. Called “Daddy bear” by his kids, he and his wife brought them to northern Minnesota each summer. He shared his love of wildlife and the outdoors, teaching his children self-reliance and how to canoe, swim and camp. Above all, Chuck taught his family about God’s sacrificial love in how he cared for them and others.

Chuck was active in the Cornerstone Community Church in Grand Marais, sharing smiles and lifting people’s spirits. That positive attitude also showed as he supervised a group of tax preparation volunteers for fifteen years, providing free services to the community. Serving others brought him a joy and satisfaction that was an example to those around him.

He never tired of watching the aurora borealis, stargazing, and playing cards with his bride. One of Chuck’s favorite activities was inventing humorous songs and bedtime stories for his grandchildren.

Chuck and Loretta celebrated 61 years of marriage. Their dream of raising a large family was realized through their six children and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother and eldest son.

A service will be held at Cornerstone Community Church in Grand Marais, MN on Saturday, September 26th at 1 PM.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to the Cook County Food Shelf in Grand Marais.