Charles George Barsanti

Charles George Barsanti, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at his home of natural causes. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Barsotti officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Charles' honor may be made to the Havre Humane Society for care of dogs c/o Gordon Inabnit, 520 4th St., Havre, MT 59501. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Charles George Barsanti

Charles was born Dec. 18, 1925, in Havre, Mont., to Paul and Agathena Barsanti. He attended schools in Havre graduating from Havre High School in 1944. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served until his honorable discharge in 1946 as a machinist first mate. After the war, he returned to Havre and went to work selling vacuums and sewing machines for the Singer Sewing Machine Company for a short time before he began working at the Great Northern Railroad. Chuck started out as a laborer and then he took an apprenticeship position before becoming a machinist, where he installed turbo chargers. He retired from the railroad after working for 40 years.

Chuck married Lois Lodahl on Feb. 23, 1950, in Havre. Together they made their home in Havre and enjoyed their extended family and close friends. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this year. Dogs were a large part of Chuck and Lois' life. Their first dog, Fella (who was named after President Roosevelt's dog) was given to them as a wedding gift. Fella was a cocker spaniel. Then they had poodles named Big Gus, Little Gus, Piper, and now Murphy. They were all spoiled and well-loved.

Chuck was a big Yankees fan and loved watching all sports and especially our local sporting events. As a couple Chuck and Lois enjoyed going to Whitefish with their friends, picnicking at the Bear Paw Mountains, Barbecuing with the neighbors and watching the trains come in. They enjoyed life and were rich in friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Agathena Barsanti; his brother, Paul, who died at the age of 14; and his sister, Nelly, who died at the age of 17; and brothers, Gene, Brug and Mario Barsanti.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Lois Barsanti of Havre; and his dog, Murphy, as well as several extended family and a lifetime of friends.