Charles F. Elias

Charles F. Elias

Bloomington, Minn.

Charles F. Elias, 97, born Cedar Rapids, lowa, on June 6, 1925, to Elizabeth (Aschenbrenner) Elias and Wesley Elias. He was predeceased by parents and siblings, Lenore, Leonard, Till, Harry, John, Frank, Robert and Marie. He married Mary Rose O’Connor June 7, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, they were an example of faith-filled married life until “Migs” passed away in 2006.

He is survived by daughter, Joan Bauer; son-in-law, Tony; and their three children, Amy (Bauer) Conway and husband Jim, John and wife Kelli, and Tom; also six great-grandchildren, Lucy, Clara and Josie Conway; Robby, Halle and Owen Bauer.

Chuck was a U.S. Marine in World War II and was present on Mt. Suribachi when the flag was raised on Iwo Jima. He was awarded two Purple Hearts during his service, as well as other campaign medals. He graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids and was a member of the Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame due to his success as a football player and subsequent member of the coaching staff.

Accepting a coaching position at Marshall University High School brought Chuck and Migs to Minneapolis. Chuck and his coaching staff (also lifelong friends) had great success coaching football at Central High School in Minneapolis, winning two city championships. Chuck coached other sports as well as teaching Science and was inducted into The MN State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He eventually moved into administration and was Assistant Principal at Edison and Washburn High Schools in Minneapolis.

Chuck was active to the end. He loved golf, dancing, music, staying physically fit and active through the many activities at Friendship Village, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities and people! Most important to him, however, was his Catholic Faith and his family. We will miss him but know his was truly “A Life Well-Lived.”

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Dec. 30, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 901 E 90th St., Bloomington, MN 55420. Mass will begin at 11 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior to the service. There will also be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 29, at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 9974 Lyndale Ave. South, Bloomington, MN 55420. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, memorials to the family to go to Sharing and Caring Hands, The St. Paul Seminary or Minnesota Veterans Association.