Charlotte (Evanson) Meyer

Charlotte Marie (Evanson) Meyer February 4, 1928 - April 22, 2025 Our mom was a progressive, well-educated, and deeply compassionate human being. Together with our dad, she created a loving, nurturing childhood for us - a foundation of warmth and faith that shaped who we are today. Organized beyond measure, Mom even left us notes that captured the highlights of her remarkable 97 years. We are grateful to share her story with you: Charlotte was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, alongside her twin brother, Charlie. She graduated from high school in Fairview, Montana, and continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, earning her degree in 1950 with a major in English and Sociology and a minor in Education. She began her career teaching seventh and eighth grade at St. Paul Lutheran Christian Day School in Waverly, Iowa, for five years. Charlotte later moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she became the Director of Christian Education at Grace Lutheran Church. It was there she met Richard Meyer, and they began their beautiful marriage. Throughout her career, Charlotte wore many hats: kindergarten and high school English teacher, church secretary establishing a mission congregation, and a lifelong student herself, attending summer school at the University of Minnesota. In 1963, she became a Field Director for the Lac Baie Girl Scout Council in Green Bay. Shortly after, her most cherished role began - that of a mother. Betsy was born in 1964, Heidi in 1965, and Andrew in 1967. After moving to Marinette, Wisconsin, Charlotte resumed her Girl Scout work, supported by the loving presence of Grandma Evanson, who came to live with the family. In 1977, the family relocated to Bettendorf, Iowa, where Charlotte served as Director of Field Services - and later Assistant Executive Director - at the Mississippi Valley Girl Scout Council. Family milestones filled her heart with joy: - In 1982, Betsy married Kurt Pennuto, and in 1983, Charlotte welcomed her first grandchild, Chad. - Another move took the family to Maple Grove, Minnesota, where she became Assistant Executive Director of the Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council. - Charlotte and Richard celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, attended her 40th class reunion, and celebrated the birth of their second grandchild, Emily. Along with joys came sorrows: the passing of her twin brother Charlie, her mother, and her brother Clair - losses she bore with faith and grace. More family blessings followed: - Heidi married Keith Holkestad in 1990, and later Peter was born. - In 1992, Charlotte returned to church ministry as Director of Christian Education at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, where she and Richard moved to a new home. - Their fourth grandchild, Ross, was born, and Charlotte retired in 1994, joyfully embracing her next chapter as full-time caregiver to Peter and Ross. In 1999, the family experienced deep sorrow with the loss of Chad, her beloved grandson. Still, Charlotte's enduring spirit carried her forward - celebrating her 50th Concordia reunion in 2000, moving to a new home, and organizing a memorable Evanson family reunion in Valders, Wisconsin. More milestones followed: - Welcoming her youngest grandchild, Charles Edward Thomas Meyer. - Celebrating Peter's high school graduation and Emily's college graduation from Concordia. Charlotte celebrated her 80th birthday at Faith Lutheran Church, and in 2010, she and Richard marked their 50th wedding anniversary with a family vacation on Lake Michigan - the same year she celebrated 60 years since graduating from Concordia. Life continued to bless Charlotte: - Emily married Rob in 2011 and moved to Colorado. - In 2013, Richard passed away. Andrew moved in to be by Mom's side, a comfort and a blessing. - Ross graduated high school, and her first great-grandchild, Quinn, was born in 2016. Charlotte celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by extended family in Plano, Texas. In 2019, her family grew again with the birth of Luka, her second great-grandchild, and Peter's marriage to Paige. That same year, Betsy and Kurt moved to Colorado - a place Mom loved to visit for the mountains and fresh air she adored. Throughout her life, Charlotte gave generously of her time and talents. Her patience and nurturing spirit shone through her many volunteer roles: Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Hospitality Center for Chinese, Minnesota Association of Volunteer Directors, and countless ministries at Faith Lutheran Church. Charlotte's love of travel reflected her endless curiosity and zest for life. In retirement, she explored: China, England, Ireland, Scotland, Hawaii, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, and many destinations across the United States. Mom was truly ahead of her time - working outside the home, volunteering, leading, and teaching by example. But above all, she loved the Lord with her whole heart. Her faith was not just professed; it was lived daily through acts of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. Charlotte's joy is now complete, and while we miss her dearly, we rejoice knowing she is home, reunited with those she loved, and embraced by the grace of her Savior. Visitation 4-7 PM Wed, Apr 30 at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. Funeral service 11 AM Thurs, May 1, with visitation one hour prior at Faith Lutheran Church, 11115 Hanson Blvd NW. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Rockford, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations to Faith Lutheran Church. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000

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Charlotte (Evanson) Meyer

February 4, 1928 - April 22, 2025

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