Obituaries

Charles Duwayne Reedstrom, the oldest living Reedstrom at 98-3/4 years old, went to join his Savior, the Lord, February 10th 2021, from his home in East Texas. It was a beautiful busy day as he worked on his computer and in his workshop making wooden firecrackers for his anticipated birthday on the 4th of July. He was born in Mankato, Minnesota the 4th of July, 1922. The most patriotic WWII veteran that loved his country, his flag and Jesus Christ. “Mr. Charles”, as many east Texans called him, enlisted with the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific on the USS President Monroe, an attack transport. He was a Quarter Master, 3rd Class. Serving during WWII his battle station was on the bridge at the wheel of the ship. Touring with dad around the United States he would tell us stories of the olden days, his life and his beloved time spent in the Navy. His favorite story was how the Japanese kamikaze pilots would always try to put the ship out of commission by firing at his station, the wheel of the ship. Luckily, he was never hit, albeit it close on multiple occasions! The Captain of the ship saw so much potential in “Duwayne” as he was called in his youth, he sent him from the ship after the battle of Tarawa to officer candidate training. However, the war ended and Duwayne decided not to return to the Navy. It was always evident however that the Navy years were the best years of his life!