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ESCANBA -- Charles N. Lindquist died at his home Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born in Manistique on January 25, 1939. His parents were Dorothy (Thompson) Lindquist and Norman L. Lindquist. When Charles was eight years old the family moved to Escanaba where his father established his medical practice. Charles attended Escanaba Public Schools graduating from Escanaba High School in 1957. Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Michigan and began a lifelong love of U of M football. He earned an M.A. degree in history from the University of Wisconsin, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. While they were both still students, he met Karen Strom and they married in 1964. While they lived in Ann Arbor Charles and Karen developed an interest in birds and bird watching which lasted through his life.
Charles began teaching history at Adrian College while he was still writing his dissertation. After several years as a college professor, he began work as the curator of the Lenawee County Historical Society Museum in Adrian. He oversaw the establishment of the museum and the eventual purchase and renovation of the wonderfully historic Carnegie Library Building in Adrian. His work at that museum saw the beginning of his skills in the areas of collection development, grant writing, exhibit design, and the ability to tell an historic story in an interesting and meaningful way. He also served on several committees and boards, including overseeing the development of Adrian's Historic District. As busy as he was, Charles found time to write five local history books for the Adrian area.
Son David was born in Adrian, and Charles immediately became a dedicated father. He coached soccer, though he had never played the game, and basketball which he loved. He was involved in all aspects of David's education, including many extra reading assignments given during summer months.
After retirement, the couple moved home to Escanaba and purchased the Strom family home and Charles began volunteering at the Delta County Historical Society, first as a board member, then as president of the society. During his presidency he helped place the society on a firm financial footing and oversaw the design and building of the new museum. He used his old skills planning the layout of the new building and organizing the exhibits to tell the story of the development of Delta County. He wrote three books detailing the history of the area, gave a number of interesting programs, often to large crowds, and in essence acted as the face of the historical society.
Charlie loved his family, reading, following his Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers, and U of M Wolverines. He especially enjoyed greeting visitors to the lighthouse and museum and telling stories about Delta County history. And he loved walking around Escanaba with the family's various golden retrievers.
Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen, son David (Melissa D'Arcy) of Washington, D.C., sister Kӓren Lindquist, San Diego, CA, brothers-in-law Peter (Laura) Strom, Paul Strom (Escanaba), and dear family friends Pamela D'Arcy, Washington, D.C. and Kristin Erickson Darby, Dexter, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack Lindquist, sister-in-law Sue Strom, and niece Erin Lindquist-Ardon.
In lieu of a funeral service there will be an open house "Celebration of Charles Lindquist's Life" at the Historical Society's Museum, Friday, October 30th from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m. At 3:45 p.m. the family will share a time of remembrances of Charles's life. In place of flowers contributions in memory of Charles may be made to the Delta County Historical Society or to a charity of the donor's choice.
The Anderson Funeral Home of Escanaba is assisting the Lindquist family. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
