PIERRE, SD – Orville “Orv” Marcus Charlson died peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 88. A visitation will be held from 6:30-7:30pm on Friday, December 12th at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre with a 7:30pm prayer service. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday December 13th at the Trinity Episcopal Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery. Isburg Funeral Chapel has been placed in care of the arrangements.
Orv was born on December 27, 1936, in Highmore, South Dakota, to Marcus and Margaret (Hapney) Charlson. He grew up on the family farm near Highmore until the family later moved into town, where his parents worked at the local bakery (in which they owned) and lumber yard.
During high school, he was active in both sports and band. He and his high school football coach even built and operated an ice cream shop in Highmore called the “Tasty Freeze.” Known for his talent with his hands, he had a remarkable ability to build, create, and fix just about anything. Over the years he built numerous homes and was always eager to help others with their home projects.
After graduating from high school, he attended Northern State University for two years, studying education and coaching while also playing forward on the basketball team. After rethinking his path, he continued his studies at South Dakota State University for a year in engineering, eventually beginning a long career with the South Dakota Department of Transportation in Pierre, where he worked until his retirement.
Upon moving to Pierre, he met Evelyn Helen Wooledge, and the rest was history. They married on October 1, 1961, and shared almost 62 wonderful years together until Evelyn’s passing in 2023. They raised two children, Alison and Darin.
He was a lifelong sports, hunting and fishing enthusiast, with golf being his greatest passion. He played in numerous golf leagues and enjoyed many rounds with family and friends. He also loved a good game of poker and cherished the camaraderie that came with it.
He was proud to be a Shriner for 20 years, giving back to his community in ways that reflected his generous spirit, as well as an active and faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church.
He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steady hands, his warm smile, and the love he had for his family and friends. He was patient, kind and always – without hesitation – willing to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by his earthly family but will be welcomed home by his heavenly family.
He is survived by his children; a son Darin Charlson (Clare) of Pierre, SD; a daughter Alison Noftsger (Carl) of Altoona, IA along with his grandchildren: Tai Charlson (15); Olivia Noftsger (23); and Keegan Noftsger (29).
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, parents and four sisters.
The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers and staff at Edgewood Senior Living Center, where he resided, for their loving and nurturing care. They would also like to thank the Hospice team who provided his end-of-life transition with compassion, grace, and love.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be directed to Countryside Hospice in Pierre, SD.
“A father’s love shapes us long after his hands let go.”
