Charleen Boe

Charleen Boe, 88, of Rothsay, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 21, 2026 with her loving husband by her side.

Charleen Avis Bilden was born June 1, 1937 in Fergus Falls, MN to Melvin and Evelyn (Balken) Bilden, they resided on their family farm near Rothsay. Char graduated from Rothsay High School and went on to vocational school before landing a job with Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis for five years. She also worked at Edina Realty Company for a few years.

On September 28, 1957 Char married her high school sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Boe, five days after he returned from the Navy. For 17 years they lived and raised their three children in the Twin Cities. Char partnered with Bob in building custom homes where her creativity in interior design was able to shine. In 1974, they moved to Rothsay and resided on Bob's family farm, the Boe farm. Char was Bob's partner on the farm where she drove the tractors and combine.

Bob and Char purchased a home in Arizona, they wintered there for 20 years. Other creative endeavors included water color, oil, and acrylic painting, also tole painting. She was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, piano player and teacher, and a wonderful cook...she loved sharing her favorite recipes with her children and grandchildren.

She spent several years owning her own craft store in Pelican Rapids where she was able to showcase some of her work. She was creative in many ventures. In the eyes of her grandchildren, Char was fun-loving and full of smiles. She was a wonderful grandmother, loved by her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile, her creativity, and her love for her grandchildren.

Char is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Bob; her three children, Cheryl, Sandi, and David (Kristen) Boe; ten grandchildren, Beau (Rachel), Taylor, Chase (Tiffany), Sean, Michael, Rylie (fiancée Anna), Hallie, Jameson, Hudson, and Grayson; three great-grandchildren, Korbin, Rory, and Aria; brother, Roger (Kathy) Bilden; sister Marlys Carlsrud, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her unborn sister; her parents, Melvin and Evelyn Bilden; brother-in-law, Doug Carlsrud, and great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Stadum.

Blessed be the memory of Charleen Boe.

Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, February 28 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, MN, with visitation one hour before the service.

Clergy: Rev. Randy Whitehead

Interment: Hamar Cemetery, Rural Rothsay Summer of 2026

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com