Charles J. "Charlie" Hunter, Jr., age 65, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Charles J. Hunter, Jr. was born January 18, 1958, in Henderson, Kentucky, the son of Patrica (Clampitt) and Charles J. Hunter, Sr.   He was raised in Kentucky and Wyoming living with his family through his high school years.  Following high school, Charlie became a very hard-working man.  For a time, he worked in the coal mines in Wyoming, worked in the oil fields with his father, and operated heavy equipment to earn a good living.  He then became an Over-The-Road Semi truck driver and retired after driving for more than 40 years.

In 1988, he met the love of his life, Lisa Seydel and in 1990, they were married and raised their family in the Grand Forks, North Dakota area.  Charlie and Lisa operated a hobby farm with cows, pigs, chickens and even horses.  He was a phenomenal gardener and always raised outstanding produce. When Charlie and Lisa's kids heard the loud airhorn of his Blue Kenworth Semi, they would race to greet him as quickly as possible.  Charlie loved his family and extended family.  After his retirement, he enjoyed going to his grandkids sporting events to watch and encourage them and soon became known as "Grandpa Charlie" to the entire team.

Charlie was known as quick witted guy and would be willing to assist his family and community whenever help was needed.  During the Grand Forks, ND Flood of 1997, Charlie assisted in the cleanup and the revitalization of the that area.   He volunteered after Hurricane Debby helping cleanup Puerto Rico after the storm, and became involved in the Railroad Clean-up in Bovey, Minnesota where he used his knowledge and skills to help complete the project in a timely manner.  He always gave and assisted wherever he could without an expectation of being paid back.

Charlie will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Lisa; their children, David (Brandi) McCargar of Lenoir City, TN, C.J. Hunter of Mobile, AL, Alfred McCargar (Celia Copeland) of Grand Rapids, MN, Lindsey (Ron) Evia of Wesley Chapel, FL, and Sam (Holly) Metzgar of Grand Rapids, MN; 14 grandchildren; his siblings, Sam (Montana) Hunter of Newcastle, WY, Tim Hunter of Princeton, KS, Kim (Chris) Thomas of Sallisaw, OK, and Randy (Deanna) Hunter of Karlsruhe, ND; mother-in-law, Betty Seydel-Waith; brothers and sisters-in-law, Allan (Beth) Seydel, Tim (Dawn) Seydel, Cheryl Seydel, Julie (Jeff) Hanson, Jon (Lulu) Seydel, and Tom Seydel; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends

Charlie is preceded in death by his son, Billy Hunter; his parents, Patricia and Charles J. Hunter, Sr.; and his father-in-law, Art Seydel.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at a later time.