Charles Hardesty

Charles Hardesty, age 75 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, January 27, 2009. Charles Russell Hardesty, age 74 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua, where he had been a resident since October 3, 2009. Charlie was born March 31, 1935 to Russell and Eunice (Phillips) Hardesty in Rochelle, Ill. He had four brothers and three sisters, 'almost a baseball team'. At some point in his teens, hard times struck the family and Charlie and his older siblings were sent to the St. Vincent Orphanage in Freeport Ill. Charlie had fond memories of working on the farm at the orphanage. Charlie married Judy Mobley in the mid seventies and to them was born a daughter, Theresa. Judy died as a result of an automobile accident on September 23, 1985. He later married and divorced Judy's sister, Sue. Charlie has spent the last 15 or 20 years living in the Viroqua area, taking care of his daughter and most of his neighbors. His work career included farming, building storage sheds with Maynard Kolden, tree maintenance with Doug Olson, lawn mowing and snow blowing. Charles was always willing to help anyone and lived his life with simple kindness and generosity. He was a good neighbor in the true sense of the word. Many will miss seeing Charlie riding down the street on his lawn mower with the red wagon. The staff at the Bethel Home and at Hospice fell in love with him in the short time they got to know him. Charlie is survived by his daughter, Theresa; sisters: Hazel of Amboy, Ill. and Helen of Yuma, Ariz.; special friends: Jeanne Kolden, Larry, Amy, and Emma Kolden, Carol Ann Kemen, Peg LaMartina, JoAnn Stout and Doug Olson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; parents; brothers: Art and John; sister, Stella; and an infant brother; his dogs, Mike and Hoppi. A prayer service will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua with Pastor Pete Beckstrand officiating. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to Vernon Memorial Hospice or to the family. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.