William Charlesworth

William Robert (Bill) Charlesworth passed away, peacefully at the age of 91, Saturday, December 22, 2012. Bill was born on December 31, 1920 to Robert J. and Zada (MacRae) Charlesworth. He grew up in Grand Forks where he attended Roosevelt Elementary, South Junior High School, and Central High School. He attended the University of North Dakota and participated in the ROTC program. He graduated in 1942 with a BS degree in Commerce. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the ROTC National Society of Scabbard and Blade. He received his civilian pilot's license in 1941. Bill was a member of the US Army Air Corps from 1942-47 and the US Air Force from 1947-62. In 1943 he was assigned to the 549th Night Fighter Squadron where he flew P-61 aircraft in combat over the Southwest Pacific islands of Saipan and Iwo Jima. On August 11, 1948 he married Harriet Ann Devorak. They had two children, James and Kris. His tour of duty took him to England and North Africa. In 1950, he graduated from the USAF University Tactical School and completed USAF Navigation-Bombardment-Radar School in 1951. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 301st Bomber Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he flew B-29 and B-47 bombers. Bill and Harriet returned to Grand Forks, ND in 1954. He retired from active duty but remained in the USAF Reserves until his retirement in 1962. He then purchased the Culligan Soft Water Conditioning franchise until he retired in 1987 after 25 years as the owner. Bill remained active after his retirement, working out at the Achieve Health and Fitness Center three mornings a week. He had a very special group of wonderful friends who worked out with him. He also enjoyed going to coffee with many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Harriet Charlesworth and his brother, Stuart Charlesworth. He is survived by his son, James (Robbyn) Charlesworth, Atlanta, GA; and his daughter, Kris (Dennis) Cook, Grand Forks, ND; and three grandsons, Cameron Cook, Bismarck, ND; Chad (Christine) Cook, Grand Forks, ND; Andy Cook, Grand Forks, ND; two great-grandchildren, Landon Cook and Chloe Cook; and two nephews John (Linda) Charlesworth, North Carolina; Bob (Ginger) South Carolina, and various grand-nieces and grand-nephews. As per his request, there will be no funeral. Amundson Funeral Home will be handling any appropriate arrangements. Bill and Harriet will be buried in the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, ND. If you wish to contribute a memorial, the family requests that you send it to the Altru Cancer Center, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Foundation, or a charity of your choice.