Charles Srur , 94, Minot and formerly of Rugby died on Friday September 26, 2008 in a Minot healthcare center.

Charles was born on March 22, 1914 in Rugby, ND to George and Blanche (Fayette) Srur. He was raised and educated in Rugby. Charlie began working at an early age to help support his family and at the age of 17 he began working for the Great Northern Railroad (GNRR). Charles married Ada Ongstad on May 13, 1942 in Rugby. They made their home in Rugby where he continued his employment with the GNRR. The family moved to Crookston, MN in 1964 before settling in Minot in 1966. His career with the GNRR spanned 43 years with him serving as a Roundhouse Foreman for most of those years prior to his retirement in 1976. Following his retirement, Charlie repaired lawn mowers and small engines for 20 years. Ada died on June 7, 2001. He had continued to reside in Minot entering Manorcare Healthcare Center in September of 2007.

Charles was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church where he was an active volunteer. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Aerie and was a former member of Little Flower Catholic Church - Rugby. He especially enjoyed mechanics, hunting, traveling, yard work and card playing especially pinochle where his buddies gave him the nickname Lucky Srur.

Charlie's passion in life was his family. He taught them that jealousy was the worst trait in life. He was a dedicated Catholic, loyal employee, hard worker, never complained and worked until the job was done. He was extremely optimistic regarding all things in his life- when it was cloudy, he saw the sun peeking through the clouds. Charlie celebrated life - with his generous smile and good humor that attracted many friends. His large hands showed the size of his heart.

Survivors include his children: Denny (Mary Lou) Srur of St. Cloud MN, Mike (Pam) Srur of Burnsville MN, Donna Olson of Drayton ND, CoCo Conati of Minot and Janice (Jerome) Lundeen of Minot; grandchildren: Mark (Pong) Srur, Gary (Patty) Srur, Chad Srur, Nichole (Charlie) Stein, Justin Olson, Brian Conati, Michael (Piper) Conati, Deanne (Kenny) Stevens, Jay (Jacie) Lundeen, Jarid (Lynn) Lundeen, Jonah Lundeen, Megan Srur, Kellan Srur and Cory Carston; fifteen great grandchildren; sister Julia Pals of Minot; special friend Ruth Schultz and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son-in-law: LaVerne Olson, sisters: Alma Esta, Mary Farris, Vicki Bangerter, Hazel Giesinger and brothers: Jimmy, Albert, Philip and Raymond.

Mass of Christian Burial : Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church - Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorials are preferred to the Minot Catholic School Foundation or to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.