Charles T. Clusiau

Charles T. "Chuck" Clusiau, 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 15, 2024, in Sun City West, Arizona.

Chuck was Born August 22, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Lucille "Lu" and Arthur "Bud" Clusiau and grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota. He spent summers swimming and water skiing on his beloved Side Lake, where he built a ski jump for himself and became a featured performer in local water ski shows with family and friends. His passion for the sport lived on through his children and their friends, whom he taught to ski with his memorable encouragement, "It's just like getting up out of a chair." A proud graduate of Hibbing High School's Class of '58, he was a Hibbing Bluejacket, playing varsity football. He was also a member of the swim team and part of the relay team that won the Minnesota State Swimming Championship in 1956.

 Following high school, Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965 aboard the USS Mitscher. In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Carole DelGrande, beginning their life together on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina. They started their family while stationed in Boston and returned to Hibbing to put down roots and expand their family. Chuck joined the family business at Clusiau Motors in 1965, working until his retirement in 2007. His community involvement included active membership in the Elks Club and service on the Merchant and Miners State Bank Board of Directors.

 In 2008, Chuck and Carole relocated to Sun City West, Arizona, where he embraced golf with his Arizona buddies and visiting family members. A passionate Vikings fan, Chuck spent his final days wrapped in his cherished Vikings blanket, never wavering in his support for his team, whether winning or losing, watching from the stands or at home.

 Chuck was known for his humor and enthusiasm, especially during his favorite holiday, the 4th of July, when he would herald the Side Lake Parade with early morning patriotic music. His practical nature showed in his ever-ready supply of superglue, C-clamps, and duct tape – prepared to fix anything that needed mending. Though sometimes known to dig his heels in, Chuck's sensitive heart was evident in his devotion to his family and the series of six beloved boxer dogs they had over the years.

 Chuck is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole (DelGrande) Clusiau; children Michelle (Angelo) Fraboni, Jeff (Nancy) Clusiau, Maggie (Bruce) Baron, Monique (Tom) Aune; grandchildren Americo (Chloe) Fraboni, Mia Fraboni, Eli Clusiau, Remy Clusiau, Juliet Clusiau, Mallorie (Alejandro) Ramirez, Michael Baron, Reese Aune, and Ethan Aune; great-grandchildren Juniper, Euan, Leo, Lilli, and Luca; Nancy (Aanes) Gooding and Ann (Aanes) Tellor, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful canine companion, Cash, the sixth boxer.

 Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille, father, Arthur, and his father’s second wife, Bonnie (Aanes), brothers Patrick (Marg) Clusiau, David (Carole) Clusiau, and sister Peggy (John) McCabe. 

 Many thanks to Infinity Hospice Care of Phoenix, Arizona, for caring for Chuck and his family with compassion and empathy during his final days. Their love and care for all of us during this time was immeasurable. Mary, Chuck's hospice nurse, is truly an Angel on Earth. Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Infinity Hospice Foundation.

 Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 25, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (2310 7th Ave East, Hibbing, MN 55746). Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., followed by a noon Mass. Father William Skarich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. The funeral mass will be live-streamed beginning at noon. https://www.blessedsacramenthibbing.org/livestream 

 Military Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, followed by a Luncheon catered by Valentini's at St. Leo's Hall, located in the Assumption Catholic School next to Blessed Sacrament Church.