Charles Lankey

Charles W. Lankey, age 86, of Willmar, died Saturday evening, April 10th, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Charles was born on December 8, 1923, in Raymond, Minnesota, the son of Erwin and Ruth (Soderholm) Lankey. He grew up and received his education in the Raymond community and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was part of the "Greatest Generation" fighting in W.W. II. Charles earned three Purple Hearts as a tank commander and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career as a telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad. In 1947, Charles was married to Ila Rear. They lived in Appleton, Norcross, Graceville and Grove City where the owned a hobby farm. He retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1982. In 2005, they moved to Willmar and in June of 2009, Ila died. Charles enjoyed visits from family, watching Twins baseball and Vikings football, playing cards and most recently playing the Wii.
He was a member of the Disabled American Vets, Morse Telegrapher's club and the American Legion Post.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol Pelvit of Breckenridge; three grandchildren, Celeste (and Tim) Prairie of Fridley, Chad (and Nikki) Pelvit of Amelia, Ohio, Christi (and John) Tullbane of Rogers; ten great-grandchildren and one brother, Joe Lankey of Waseca, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, Harley and Ray and one sister, Madeline Wahlstrom.