- Date Of Death: March 26, 2021
- State: Minnesota
Charles and Maureen Greentree, ages 73 and 71, of Kawkawlin, MI, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 26, 2021, after a car accident near South Haven, Michigan.
Charles E. Greentree was born on March 28, 1947 in Princeton, IN, to James and Thelma (Bradley) Greentree. He was raised in foster homes as a youth, before graduating from high school, the Valley Forge Military Academy. He received his degree from Butler University and enlisted in the US Army. As a member of the 1st Army Airborne, 75th Rangers between 1967-1975, Charles risked his life for what he believed in; fighting in Vietnam, Laos, and in the Sinai Peninsula. After nearly a decade in the service with numerous medals, including both the silver and bronze star, and two Purple Hearts to show for it, Charles was honorably discharged and returned stateside. Just prior to that, on June 23, 1974, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Maureen Engstrom, in Melo Lutheran Church, rural Warren, MN.
Maureen Faye Engstrom was born on February 7, 1950, in Warren, to William and Evelyn (Morberg) Engstrom. She and her brother and sister were raised on the family farm. Following her graduation from the local high school, Maureen studied at Minnesota State University in Moorhead, receiving her degree in Education. Following her graduation and marriage to Charles, Maureen taught school for a a few years, started their family, and moved to Silver Lake, MN.
Joyfully living out their call to marriage, Charles and Maureen raised four children. They were generous and unconditionally loving parents, and tried to pass these traits on to their children. With kindness and patience they taught life’s simple lessons: never judge, work hard, and spend time together. The two lived these lessons daily and spent almost every moment at the other’s side. With a move from Minnesota to Florida in 1987, they enjoyed the sunshine state until 2011, when they moved back “home” to Thief River Falls, MN, to take care of Maureen’s mother in her final years. In 2015, they moved again, this time to Kawkawlin, where they could live near their children again and help care for and guide their grandchildren.
Over the years, Maureen and Charles enjoyed watching NASCAR and football, going camping, and showing the greatness of the country to their kids. Their final hours were spent together (as always) while traveling to the other side of the state, taking in all of God’s beauty along the way.
This loving couple is survived by their children, Lori (Keith Kerr) Greentree of Hudson, FL, Lisa Greentree, Shelly LaFave both of of Kawkawlin, and Josh (Jessica) Greentree of Pinconning, MI; eleven grandchildren, Autumn, Jason, Jessica, Hailey, Christina, Bianca, Brendan, Christian, Kiley, Nick, and Adrianna; Maureen’s sister, LaVonne (Bruce) Seaverson; Charles’ brother, Jerry (Sue) Greentree; and a number of nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their parents; Maureen’s brother, Gary Engstrom; and a number of siblings on the Greentree side.
