On the evening of February 1, 2021 Charles Eugene Moline, age 76, of Brockway attended the Brockway Commercial Club meeting to plan the 103rd Brockway Dairy Day Rodeo. The next morning on a beautiful, sunny day he passed away on the prairie of his family’s homestead. The Dairy Day Rodeo was one of Charles’ life long passions. Everyday of every year he recruited rodeo contestants to enter this annual event, many times paying the contestants entry fees. He enjoyed watching the young cowboys and cowgirls thrive and go on to compete in the “bigger” or “big time” rodeos. He only missed two Dairy Day Rodeos in his life, once while he was serving our country and once to watch his son play in the Class B All-Star Football game.
Born the second child to James and Bertha Ueland Moline on January 15, 1945 in Terry, MT, all his childhood years were spent on the homestead. He grew up working the fields, riding horses and working cattle with his brother and sister. During these years, Charles developed his love for antiques and started his collection. Many, many people who knew him knew that he didn’t like to miss an auction sale. He always loved to find the most interesting pieces and quiz people about the use and function. After spending so much time and money at auction sales, he was honored to be a judge for the Montana State Auctioneering Contest.
Charles was an avid sports player and fan. He started as a Brockway Bullpup and graduated as a Circle Wildcat in 1963 earning a football scholarship to play as a Northern Light for Northern Montana College. After a college football injury, he enlisted with the Montana National Guard serving from 1965 to 1971. His Military Specialty was 94B20, ie Cook. After his time in the service, he continued participating in sports by refereeing high school basketball with his lifelong buddies.
On a fall evening in 1969, Charles attended a dance in Terry where he met his future wife, Darlene Hoffer, and the two were married one year later to the day on September 26, 1970 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Glendive. For the next 50 years Charles and Darlene spent their time farming and ranching. Together they traveled to the NFR and other rodeos across the country. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their school, sports, 4-H and any other events that they were involved in.
Charles served on many community boards including the Brockway and Circle School Boards, the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Board, the McCone County Museum Board and was a long time member of the McCone County Farm Bureau.
Surviving Charles are his wife, Darlene, son Conrad (Sara) of Brockway, daughter Danya (Eric) Remboldt of Rapid City, and daughter Darby (Erick) Idland of Circle; his pride & joy grandchildren Ryann, Alexis, Madeline and Charlie Ann Moline, Autumn Sky, Arley and Cyrus Idland, Hannah Lapp and step-granddaughter Katelyn Remboldt; Aunt Jeannette Heide, brother Richard (Julie) Moline and sister Donna (James) Ostby and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Meeting him in Heaven are his parents, his in-laws David and Linda Hoffer and an infant daughter along with many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Brockway Cemetery in Brockway.
If one wishes, memorials can be made to the Brockway Commercial Club, the McCone County Museum or the McCone County Volunteer Fire Department.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 8, 2021
First Lutheran Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 8, 2021
First Lutheran Church
Circle, Montana 59215
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Harvey and Trudy Kirkegard says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya and Darby,
Harvey and I send our very deepest condolences in the loss of Charlie. This was a complete shock to all who knew him. Harvey was especially saddened since he has lost a classmate as well as an old and dear friend. Our sympathy and prayers go out to each of you and you can feel blessed with the precious memories you will have now and in the days to come. God Bless you all!
Debbie LaBree says
Darlene and family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie. I just saw him a couple of weeks ago. Sympathy and prayers to all of you.
I’m sure you all have alot of precious memories.
Tara Kirkegard says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, and Darby,
My heart hurts for you. I am so saddened that you are having to say goodbye to your husband and father. His rich laugh was contagious and he never forgot my name! My own family forgets my name some times!! He will be missed and thought of with great fondness. His beautiful legacy is all of you. I am praying for each of you and sending you so much love. Rest now Charles. I bet heaven puts on a great rodeo!❤️
Joyce Langemo Camper says
Darlene and family,
What a sad day for the Brockway and Watkins communities. He was one of the reasons The World Famous Brockway Dairy Day event survived for so long. I know he worried about how long the event would last after his generation was no longer around . He will be missed by many.
Barb Smalis says
Prayers to the Moline Family! You have lost one of the great ones and he will be missed by all that knew him . Such a hard time as you grieve for your husband, Dad and Grandpa. Brockway has lost the heart of the community..
Jerry and Barb
Larry Bruce says
Our love and prayers to all of Charlie’s beloved family. Simple words can never adequately express the essence of this incredible man. Husband. Father. Grandpa. Rancher. Farmer. Historian. Sports Fan. He was all these things and much more. He was also simply a person that was so very easy to like. Like so many of you I will miss him each and every day. I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Darlene and family, So sorry to hear this ,what a loss for your family and community, thoughts and prayers for you all
Tanya Giop says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love, Tanya and Brian
Terry Jackson says
So sorry for your loss, Charlie was an awesome man that brought so much to so many, I loved his knowledge of all things old, everyone always knew if they found something and had on idea what it was for to ask Charlie he would know. I was so saddened to learn of his passing, may he rest in peace. sending prayers for the family
Bruce and Sandy Dresel says
We are so sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing ,we just saw him a few days ago.He was a really great man.you are all in our Prayers.
Dave Jensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Hold onto all the great memories you have.
Gary and Robin Hoffer says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Darlene and family at this time. It’s been awhile since we had seen Charlie. We send our love to you and your family. Gary&Robin
Tanja Fransen says
Aw, so very sad to see this! We so appreciated his service and dedication as a cooperative weather observer. The National Weather Service in Glasgow sends Darlene and the family our deepest condolences. 🙁
Bruce and Sandy Dresel says
Our hearts and Prayers are with you all.❤️
Trista, Bill, Kayden and Kavan says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, and Darby,
Charlie holds a very dear place in our hearts. He had a passion. For Rodeo and of course his own “BROCKWAY DAIRY DAYS”. Kayden is right in saying that our annual visit to Brockway will never be the same without Charlie! He was a great one to run into and have a good visit no matter when or where. My heart and prayers go out to all of you! He leaves behind a wonderful family and many great memories. Love, The York’s
Lee & Toni Murnion says
We were so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a really good friend to my dad, and he always talked to me at bball games and asked about dad! Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
My condolences for Darlene and kids on the passing of Charlie. He could always make a person chuckle and he will be missed.
Greg and Noreen Berger says
To the entire Charles Moline family,
Where does one start in expressing how one feels when a legend passes away? Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to each and every one of the members of his family, the community of Brockway, and to the enormous amount of people who’s lives he touched throughout the years. Charlie had a great life and was loved by many that weren’t family but he made us all feel that way when he took the time to visit, to help out, and to just be there when things were either going good or not. I’m going to miss the times he stopped in at the clinic just to show us a new treasure and ask us if we knew what it was, or the times we’d meet and stop on either Ash Creek or Cedar Creek up here on the divide and shoot the breeze for half an hour or more and solve the world’s problems or our own. We’ll all miss him at the ball games as he was probably Circle’s #1 Wildcat fan and of course at Brockway Dairy Day. This man wore many different hats over the years but I think the most important one he ever wore was the one of a family man and a friend of all. Rest in peace Charlie.
Cindy Berg says
Darlene, Danya and family,
My heart goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers. God bless you all.
Richard Scheetz says
I am in shock to see of Charlie’s passing. My condolences to the entire family. Probably my fondest memory of him is that he always had some sort of strange antique in his pocket when I saw him to test me to see if I could figure out what it was. A great man!
Larry and Judy Jens says
We are sure sorry to read this. We always enjoyed an interesting visit with Charlie when we saw him in Miles or Terry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Angie Stanley says
You all are in my thoughts and prayers I am so very sorry for your loss. Such a great man!
Sandy Keeland Meeker says
My prayers are with all of the family! I went to 12 years is school with Charlie. He was a great guy!
Clara Hartz says
Darlene and family, I was so so shocked to hear of this. We He was so much fun just last weekend. Love and prayers to all of you. You are all so special to us.
Karen Wallace says
My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time. Love and prayers to you and God bless all of you.
Tonya South says
I was sadden to hear the news of Charlie’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him at ball games and track meets. He was a good friend of my dad Jerry Hensleigh. He will be missed. Very nice man.
Arlene Morast says
Darlene and family, I was so shocked
to hear the sad news. He will surely be missed by many especially in your community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Sincere sympathy to you all.
Aaron & Jessica Bradley says
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for God’s peace for each of you.
Flo Meissner says
God bless all the Charlie Moline family. So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and so much more. He cared so much for the community and all those he met. He always had a good story to tell. We will miss him.
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Gods Blessings to all Of Charlie’s Family. He will be greatly missed. We have so many great memories. Prayers to all the Moline Family
JAMES and BRENDA ATKINSON says
Thoughts and prayers to the Moline Family. Whenever I would see Charlie over the years we would ask one or the other if we still remembered their steer that ran me into their feed bunk prior to becoming cut wrapped and frozen. What a what a great guy.
Judy Mossestad Svendsen says
I knew Charlie at Circle High School so many years ago…..haven’t seen him since but I do remember him. He was such a gentle, kind, caring person. I am sorry for Charlie’s family and their loss. Reading all the comments above, it appears he lived a full and beautiful life. Rest in peace, Charlie. Prayers for the family.
Michele Mickolio says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, Darby and families, my heart breaks for your loss. Charlie is and will always be a legend to me. He is right up there with John Wayne. I can not put into words how proud I am to have known him. I am so privileged to have grown up near his family (thanks for all the sleep overs) and in his community. He helped shape all of us Brockway Bull Pups and The World Famous Brockway Dairy Days. He always teased me and would stump me with his peculiar farm gadgets. I will miss him immensely. Trips home will ever be the same. Whenever I see a snowy fence post I will have fond memories of him. Heaven has gained another Great Angel. Mom and him are probly playing cards now? I wish you all peace.
Kaylee Kleinsasser says
To the Moline family, I’m so sorry. Charlie was someone that would put a smile on anybody’s face. I will never forget this cigarette trick he used to amaze me as a little girl at the Brockway bar. Heck, he was even a pretty good cheerleading coach for the Brockway bull pups! “Kick em in the right knee, kick em on the left knee, kick em”…well, you all know the rest! Cherish the memories. Sending love and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Judy Hawkinson Fuchs says
My thoughts are with you, Darlene, Conrad, Danya and Darby, during this difficult time. Charlie will most certainly be missed by the Brockway Circle communities.
Mary Kasten Grube says
Prayers and comfort to the family of Charlie Molene! What a character. I remember at my Uncle Paul’s auction how he kept bidding me up on an antique coffee can. He let it go because he said I was determined and must appreciate it’s value!! He sure was an icon around Brockway growing up! Hugs to you all.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers to the Moline family. So many memories of Charlie while growing up in Brockway, especially in the store when he would come in…always in for a cold Mountain Dew. He will be greatly missed in the Brockway community. Cherish all the memories.
Virgil Hellyer says
Sorry for your loss. Played many town team basketball games against him at Brockway and Jordan. Very good ball player and competitor.
Carl Ueland says
Our deepest sympathies to all the Moline family. Charles was one of our favorite in-laws, fun, easy to visit with. I never will forget when he announced my name riding on a cow from Butte Montana in th Brockway Diary Rodeo many years ago. During that rodeo I was joined by my college friends Norm Clarke (Terry), Wayne Eggum(Richie), and Larry Ziegler (Glendive). It was one of the many highlights of my life. What a great guy. We will miss him.
Jerry and Donna Buxbaum says
Darlene and family, So sorry to hear this ,what a loss for your family and community, thoughts and prayers for you all.May you find comfort in Gods love and peace.
Friends in Christ
Bertha Langemo and Jim, says
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking with Charlie at the post office while we all waited for the mail truck to arrive as well as at the farm auctions. He was that rare person who made things happen, the basketball games between the small surrounding towns, The World Famous Brockway Dairy Days events
and supporting the various groups whether it was school, community or state,
He made this part of the world a better place.
Jr and Donna Lala says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, Darby and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so sorry for your loss. Charles always took the time to visit with us. Always enjoyed his stories or the antiques that he may have had with him. He will be missed. Treasure the memories. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you.
Norm Clarke says
I’m not sure where or when I met Charlie, but I’m sure beer was involved. When I was sports editor of the Billings Gazette he Called me one day and insisted I not only give Brockway Dairy Day “a good writeup” but he said “I’m entering you in the wild cow riding contest.” One year (1972) he set up a wild cow riding contest between Lt Gov Tom Judge and myself. Neither of us lasted more than one jump. Not a good look. But we had a lot of fun and met a lot of great down-to-earth people —everything Charlie promised. I was saddened when my friend Carl Ueland emailed me the news. As a Terry boy I was pleased to know he spent part of his last day on earth in my hometown with life-long friends. RIP old friend.
Ed Simonich & Martha Cooney-Simonich says
Ed and I send our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you. I will never forget my cousin Charlie. I will be forever grateful for that last “Charlie joke” pulled on me just four days before his passing. God’s blessings upon him and all of you.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Darlene and family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
We will remember Charlie for many, many things,all good. If you ever heard the saying ( a mind like a steal trap) that to was Charlie. Our prayers are with your family.
Nina and Howard Waller says
When we think of Brockway , we think of Charlie. Always so interesting and friendly to share the time for a visit. Prayers for comfort for his family.
Peggy Nerud says
Darlene and family,
We are saddened to hear about Charlie. Our memories of him are numerous and make us smile. He was one in a million and well liked by all. We will keep you in our hearts and thoughts.
Peggy and Chuck
Jess Neuman says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, Darby and all,
Thinking of you all as you say goodbye to the Ol’ Chief today.
I wish I could be there. He will be missed and Brockway will not be the same. I will toast a Mountain Dew in his honor.
Sending hugs to you all.
Chrissy & Eric Anderson says
Darlene, Conrad, Danya, Darby, and families,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Charles. Thinking about you today as he is laid to rest. Grateful for technology to be able to watch his funeral online. Sending our love. ❤️
Sonny Obrecht says
An old college friend who will always be remembered
Janet Hansen Beery says
Such a BEAUTIFUL & MEANINGFUL service. Charley was such a kind and fun loving family and community man. Was blessed to have known him and heard ‘just a few’ of his many stories. Thank you Charley.
Jim Haugen, Helena says
Charlie’s family has my most significant thoughts, and I wish for them a peaceful grieving. I’ve known Charlie since he first began
officiating basketball when I was coaching in Sidney. I was then athletic director and continued hiring him and other Circle, Vida area
referees-great advocates for high school kids. I continued seeing him over the years while I worked for MHSA. He was a really good
official and a really fine gentleman in every sense of the word. High school activities are always better because of people like Charlie Moline…
Karen Jordan says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Moline family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
We are very sorry to hear about Charlie and send our sympathy to his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed in Brockway for many years to come. Few people were greater Brockway fans than Charlie. He educated many with his vast knowledge of the area history and antiques. We treasure good memories of him.
John Brown says
There is so much sadness and love in all these notes. I share them along with the wishes for strength and support for all the family and community suddenly left lost and adrift by Charlie’s quick death. My heart and prayers are with you. I remember the sparkle in Charlie’s eyes when ever he talked with me (and I am sure this was the case with others) like there was a little more to the story he was holding on to for the next time we talked. A legend he is. He is already missed by the community.
Mark Siverly says
I met Charlie back in 1996 while installing some weather instruments at his family’s home. He was good company while I did some digging and trenching in the back yard. My being an Illinois Boy, we had to talk about John Deere and Minneapolis “Moline” tractors. Growing up, I’d been to many tractor pulls at my hometown fair where the stock M Moline tractor did pretty well. We visited off and on through the day as he would come back and check on me. He took me on a tour of his out buildings and talked about the local annual rattlesnake fry among other things. There isn’t a time when I drive that stretch of HWY 200 from Circle to Flowing Wells without thinking of him as I look south down 253. Darlene I am sorry for your family’s loss. It sounds like he had a great journey.
Bob Parsley says
My most sincere condolences to Charlie’s family! I have fond memories of our basketball and track competitions in the 60s! He was a great athlete, a good man, and fun to be around!! Got to know him better at Northern, and always enjoyed his company! Clearly, he will be missed by many!!
LARRY KELTNER says
I am sorry to just find out about Charlie’s passing. Darlene , Conrad and family I sure wish you the JOY of his memories. I was always eager to hear one of his stories everytime I saw him. I especially enjoyed trying to figure out what oddball tool or trinket he had found at an auction. The local rodeos and auctions will all be poorer events without the presence of Charlie.
LK