The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

Charles Paul Gosselin was born on April 6th, 1935 in Broadus, Montana to Paul and Amalia Gosselin. He grew up on the family homestead in the Hammond, Montana area where they raised sheep, cattle and farmed for many years. Charles attended school at Piniele, Boyes, Broadus and Bozeman and was very interested in learning, especially in mathematics, music, sports, carpentry and agricultural sciences. He came home to the family ranch to work with his parents in the late 1950's.

He married Loretta Coe in 1958. They started and raised a family while living on a ranch neighboring his parents. Charles and Loretta purchased and combined the two ranches into one. He had pride in his farm and ranch business output, even with the occasional difficulties typical of his line of business. His pioneering lineage inspired a very hard working nature, and he promoted hard work and humility in his own family.

Charles and Loretta enjoyed visiting with many friends, family and new acquaintances, and were interested in other's experiences. They especially enjoyed family, community and church gatherings with good food, trading stories and card playing.

In Charles' later years he and Loretta enjoyed square dancing and round dancing. As time passed Charles and Loretta built a house in Belle Fourche, South Dakota and traveled back and forth to the ranch at Hammond. Loretta passed away in 2005. Charles continued to live in Belle Fourche and Hammond and operate the ranch until age 71.

He sold the ranch and lived in his home in Belle Fourche until he moved into an assisted living home. Charles lived for a short while at the nursing home in Belle Fourche where he passed away in his sleep in the early morning hours of September 7th, 2017, at the age of 82.

Charles is survived by his sons, Kevin (Teresa) Gosselin of Bethel, Alaska and Dwight (Jeri) Gosselin of Bothell, Washington; daughter, Marcia (Nick) Stann of Redmond, Washington; grandchildren, Erin (Cody) LeMons, Ryan Gosselin, Dallas Gosselin, Casey Gosselin, Cameron Gosselin, Ashleigh Stann and great grandchildren Brynne and Benjamin LeMons.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Amalia Gosselin; wife Loretta Gosselin and sister Marie Powell.

Visitation will be from 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, September 15 at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche and for one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 16 at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche with the Reverend Jean Helmer officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. James Lutheran Church or Christian organization of your choice, the 4-H Club, Belle Fourche Area Community Center youth programs or the local Animal Shelter.

An online guest book is available at klinefuneralchapel.com.