Charles 'Chuck' Fon Dixon Jr., 84

Charles "Chuck" Fon Dixon Jr., passed away May 21, 2007, after a long illness. He was born in St. Ignatius on Sept. 2, 1922, in the back of a covered wagon to Charles Fon and Agnes Dixon. Chuck grew up in the Mission area and in his younger years attended St. Ignatius Mission School.

During World War II, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served honorably in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, he returned to his beloved Montana where he completed an electrical engineering degree in Bozeman at what was then known as Montana State College.

On a ski hill near Polson, he met Linda Smith, whom he later married. They raised four children at their home on Flathead Lake.

Chuck's joys in life were his family, hunting and fishing. After retirement, Chuck and Linda enjoyed many hours of fishing in the cool, clear waters of Flathead Lake, Hauser Lake, and Lake Koocanusa. In the last few years of his life, Chuck liked to kick up his heels square dancing with his many friends.

Chuck participated in many community activities and often served on community boards such as the Camp Fire Girls, Polson Outdoors, Hunter Safety, the Rural Fire board, as a tribal election judge, and the Lake County Parks board. His service was so highly honored the Parks board named a park after him, the Chuck Dixon Memorial Park, which is located on the west shore of Flathead Lake.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Linda; his parents, Charles Fon and Agnes; brothers, Del, Edward, and Merle; and sister, Gloria Daniels.

He is survived by his close friend, Ruth Mahle; sisters, Thelma Niemeyer and husband Bill, and Betty Muralt and husband Gary; daughter, Rebecca and husband, Greg Lewis; daughter, Christine; son Charles L. and wife, Eve; daughter, Melinda and husband, Chris Clouart; and his cherished grandchildren, Alix and Kyle Dixon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date this summer.

Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.