Charles William Ferguson

Age 85 of Oakdale, and formerly of Crosby, passed away peacefully surrounded by family March 3rd, 2018 from complications of Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD). Charles was born August 2nd, 1932 in Brampton, North Dakota to William and Pauline (Schwiegert) Ferguson, the second of 8 children. He joined the National Guard as a high school senior in Cogswell, North Dakota in 1949. The following year after graduation, he took an eight week course and was licensed to teach in country schools (one roomed schoolhouse) in North Dakota. After teaching for one year his National Guard Unit deployed to Korea. In Korea he was awarded two bronze stars with a “V” devise and two purple hearts. His unit was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. After being discharged from the military, he went back to college and earned his B.S. in Mathematics and a teaching degree. He taught for over 21 years, ending his career in teaching at the Crosby-Ironton High School, where he taught for 17 of those years, while simultaneously receiving and providing support as a veteran through his dedicated volunteer efforts with the American Legion.

His passion for the support of veterans and veteran’s rights and benefits became his career after retiring from teaching. He worked for the American Legion first as Children and Youth Assistant Director at the national level and then as Department Adjutant of Minnesota until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy (Gustafson) Ferguson, granddaughter Alicia Rousslang, and partner JoAnn Momson, brother-in-law Wayne Seelhammer. He is survived by his children: Nancy (Roger) Rousslang, Mary Ferguson, Patrick (Kris) Ferguson, Steve Ferguson (partner Kim Roth), honorary daughter Clara Crosby, granddaughters: Kate, Melissa, Laura and her son Donovan. Siblings: Barb Seelhammer, Sharon (Ray) Johnson, Peggy (Norman) Payne, Susan Drummond, John (Betty) Ferguson, Doug (Judy) Ferguson, Dave (Nancy) Ferguson.

Many thanks to the staff at the Good Samaritan Home in Stillwater for their dedication and thoughtful care. A wake will be held on June 9th, 2018 at the Ironton American Legion in Ironton Minnesota. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the MN American Legion Foundation (Boy’s State Scholarship).