Memorial

Charles Edward Visina, 89, was born August 11, 1932, in Duluth, MN to Casper Daniel and Jean E. (Salminen) Visina. He passed away on September 20, 2021 in Oklahoma City, OK.

Charles “Chuck” met his future wife Mary Geraldine Vallie while they were attending Cathedral High School in Duluth, MN, where they both graduated in June of 1950. They were married on June 21, 1952 at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Duluth, MN. From this union of marriage, they had seven children: Charles E, Visina Jr, Anne M. Visina, Susie J. Jester, Mary B. McMilllan, Tim J. Visina, Michael J. Visina and John P. Visina.

In November of 1958, they moved from Duluth, MN to Yukon, OK when Chuck was transferred with his job to Western Electric in Oklahoma City, OK. He retired from Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent after 43 years, where he was a Quality Control Supervisor. While he was employed he completed his college degree in 1967 at Central State University in Edmond, OK. He was also a representative from AT&T for the Quality Control Jobs Program in Oklahoma City, OK.

Chuck was a devout Catholic his entire life. He was an active member of St John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Yukon for 63 years. He served on the Parish Council, St John’s School Board, was a Coach for the school athletic teams, taught Religious Education classes, was a member of the Holy Name Society, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and was a Board Member for the St Ann’s Senior Complex. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a 4th degree Knight and also served a term as Grand Knight.

Chuck was also very active in the City of Yukon. When the family moved to Yukon he was quoted as saying “Yukon is a small town where everyone knows each other, it has a Catholic school and on Friday night the whole town turns out for the football game”. Over the years he went on to serve on the City Council, the Park Board and also the Planning Commission. He helped to organize little league sports in Yukon in 1960, and was a coach for his sons’ football, baseball, track and basketball teams. He was a member of the Yukon Quarterback Club and served as president for a year. He rarely ever missed a sporting event or school activity when his children were growing up and when his grandchildren came along he tried to go to their events, too. He loved sports, and in his younger years he played Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Golf. In later years he enjoyed watching sports on TV, and loved seeing photos and videos of his grandchildren participating in their sporting events. He was always competitive! Debate and current events were always encouraged around the dinner table.

He was also very active with the Boy Scouts, being an Eagle Scout himself. He was a troop leader for many years and served on the board of the Last Frontier Council.

His wife and family were most important to him. He was known as “Papa” to his 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. They brought him much joy and happiness in his later years and he was never shy to brag about their accomplishments and achievements.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Gerry of 67 years; his son Chuck, daughter Anne; parents, and his siblings and their spouses Fred (Fran) Visina, Robert Visina, Ramona (Dennis) Nylen, and Claudia Visina. He was also preceded in death by his nephews: Rick, Tom and Patrick; in-laws Gerald & Anne Vallie, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his daughters, Susie (Gary) Jester, and Mary (Gordon) McMillan; sons, Tim Visina, Michael (Stephanie) Visina, and John (Debbie) Visina; 28 grandchildren and their spouses; 25 great grandchildren; his Aunt Elaine Craig, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.