Dr. Charles W. Extrand
Dr. Charles W. Extrand (Charlie), age 89, died Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at his son’s home in Nisswa, MN. Charlie was born December 30, 1930, in Ottawa, IL to Ray and Anne Extrand. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1949. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard the same year, joining the H Company of the 194th Tank Battalion. Charlie spent three years as an active member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving at Fort Rucker, AL. During his time there, he met his wife and the mother of his children, Betty Jean (McDougald) Extrand. After active service in the army, he attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Charlie graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1959. After completing his education, he returned to Brainerd, where he lived the remainder of his life.
Charlie had multiple careers. Two as a veterinarian, retiring first at 62 and then again at 80! He remained active in the National Guard his entire life, retiring in 1990 with the rank of colonel. For his work with veterans, including survivors of the Bataan Death March, Charlie was honored with the rank of brevet (honorary) brigadier general in 2010.
Charlie loved nature. He was passionate about hunting, fishing and gardening. He could almost always correctly answer questions about names and characteristics of wild animals, birds, trees, plants and flowers.
Charlie is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his younger sister Rae Anne (Sis), by his second wife, Norma Jean (Adams); children Chuck, Bart and Adam; daughters-in-law, Marga, Jody and Jackie; grandchildren, Ivan, Elena, Aden and Ashton.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Anne Extrand as well as his first wife, Betty Jean Extrand.
A private family burial will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls. Honors will be given by Brainerd American Legion and VFW Color Guard. No flowers please. Alternatively, please consider a donation to the Brainerd American Legion, Camp Confidence, Ducks Unlimited or the Nature Conservancy in honor of Charlie. Arrangements have been made by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.