Charles Nord

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles “Charlie” “Chuck” Nord

Charles Paul Nord was born on June 6, 1989 in Breckenridge, MN to Paul and Monica (Braun) Nord. He was baptized into the Christian faith on June 25, 1989 by Rev. Lambert Studzinski in Wyndmere, ND. Charles lived on the family farm outside of Wyndmere where he enjoyed spending his days helping his Grandpa Jack and Dad on their dairy farm. He really liked riding in the tractor during planting season or cutting hay. Charles also spent time exploring the farm with his dog, Alex, by his side and then a few years later with his brother James. In 2001, the Nords moved to Vergas, MN.  Charles attended school in Perham, MN where he was a member of the cross country and track teams. He graduated in 2007. While attending school in Perham Charles used his humor, kind heart and quiet confidence to become a friend to everyone he met. Shortly after graduation, Charles felt he needed to do more for his country. He enlisted in the National Guard to become part of a tank crew. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Charles also earned his associate degree in construction electrical technology.

In 2009, Charles met the love of his life, Kaley Faye Ratz. They were united in marriage on July 14, 2012. They made their home in Detroit Lakes, MN. In September of 2015, Charles was selected into Warrant Officer training program to qualify for helicopter flight school at Fort Rucker, AL. Charles and Kaley moved to Fort Rucker in July of 2016. Charles excelled in his training and graduated with high honors. Charles and Kaley welcomed into the world their beautiful baby daughter, Lydia, on May 3, 2017. Charles completed flight school in September 2017 and the family moved to Vergas where Charles was a part of Company C, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion. Charles finally found his calling, being an medevac helicopter pilot. In June 2018, he and the rest of Charlie Company was deployed to Kuwait and other parts of the middle east. It was there where he formed such a tight bond with his fellow soldiers. He attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. Charles returned home in May 2019 and began building his family’s new home by Perham, which they moved into in August. Charles also became employed at Bond Helicopter Service of Perham as a crop sprayer. He often said he landed his dream job. He was also very excited about the upcoming arrival of his son, Jack Charles.

Charles will be remembered forever for his uncanny ability meet someone for five minutes and make them his good friend for life. His easy-going nature, goofy grin and quick-witted humor was able to put anyone at ease and brighten anyone’s day. He loved his family incredibly. You could see he was head over heels in love with his wife Kaley, his daughter Lydia and his unborn son, Jack. He also loved his other family, the men and women of Charlie Company. He was so proud to be part of that group and being able to make a difference in the world.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Kaley; his daughter Lydia; his unborn son Jack, all of Perham; his parents Paul and Monica Nord of Vergas; his brother James (Tiffany) Nord of Moorhead, MN; maternal grandparents Jack and Kathleen Braun of Wyndmere; mother and father-in-law Jeff and Lisa Ratz of Vergas; sister-in-law Keshia (John) Buschette of Cormorant, MN; brother-in-law Kasey (Tori) Ratz of Detroit Lakes, MN; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew and a niece.

Charles was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Elmer and Frances Nord.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15 at the Perham High School gymnasium. Visitation will resume from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16 at the high school. Private interment will be held in the Vergas City Cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Charles' Memorial Folder