Charles "Chuck" Bigwood

Charles "Chuck" Bigwood, was born on March 31, 1950 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Robert M. and Barbara Bigwood. He passed away on September 20, 2025 in Wahpeton, North Dakota after a battle with a fast-growing brain tumor. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Chuck's legacy is defined by his dedication to family, community, and a lifelong passion for learning and teaching.

Chuck spent his formative years in Fergus Falls, where he was an integral part of the community. Chuck was a member of Boy Scout Troop 302 and Grace United Methodist Church. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School and in 1968 then attended Fergus Falls Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in choral and theater in 1971, where he was recognized as "Actor of the Year." While living in Fergus Falls for the first 30 years of his life, Chuck was also an active member of the Fergus Falls Jaycees.

Chuck married Laurie Swenson from Fairview, MT in 1976. During their 48-year marriage, Chuck only missed baking her birthday cake once when he was meeting the boys at the airport during a blizzard. Their marriage brought forth 4 sons: Joshua, Andrew, Zachary, and Matthew.

His career began at Dooner Sports as a proficient motorcycle mechanic, a role that led him to purchase the business and start BigWoods Yamaha in 1971. Following a successful chapter in his life, Chuck sold the business to Steve Leitte. In 1982 Chuck embarked on a career in education with a move to Minot, where he began teaching small engines at Minot High School. His leadership and guidance contributed to his students achieving first place at the DECCA competition. In 1983 he pursued further education at North Dakota State College of Science, graduating in 1985 with an Associate of Science degree in electrical technology. That same year, he began BigWoods Electric Motor, where he grew the business with the help of excellent technicians to have customers in all 50 states and 17 foreign countries.

A dedicated member of his community, Chuck ran the Pinewood Derby for the Royal Rangers Boy Scouts, and he opened his garage so kids could cut out their cars. He took youth groups canoeing and camping on the Crow Wing River, exemplifying his commitment to service. He passionately taught several subjects, including music theory, enabling others to appreciate the gift of music. Chuck was willing to teach you how a chord was made and be able to recognize a chord in any key; being able to play by chord notation, an essential tool for worship. His hobbies included playing acoustic guitar, bass guitar, boating, water skiing, fishing, and enjoyed motorcycling. Chuck’s favorite motorcycle was his Yamaha YM1 with a 305cc engine. Chuck enjoyed restoring vintage snowmobiles and enjoyed sharing that passion with friends and family.

Chuck's personality was marked by warmth, creativity, and a love for learning and adventure. He was known for his storytelling, particularly the imaginative "Jake the Crow" tales that entertained his children and grandchildren. He cherished annual traditions such as a proper 4th of July celebration and instilled valuable life skills in his children and grandchildren, from teaching them to read a map to riding a bicycle. Chuck loved science, especially creation science and the laws of physics. He understood there is a God - evidenced by the reality of magnetism and gravity, which we can understand and utilize but not create ourselves. As a member of the North Dakota Republicans, he understood the political process, a gift he shared with his children. Chuck promoted his country and his great state of North Dakota. He believed everyone should visit Medora and the beautiful western Badlands. Chuck also understood Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace concepts and began to teach others how to have financial peace.

A man of faith, Chuck made a pivotal decision in 1978 when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, a commitment that defined his life thereafter. Chuck had played with a worship team since 1980. He understood "layering," "less is more," and that there is never too much bass. His interest in history, particularly World War II, was not just a pastime but a lifelong pursuit of knowledge that he sought to share. At the time of his death, Chuck had nearly finished the complete day to day operations of WWII. Chuck enjoyed the change of the seasons, the fall colors, and snow. It was never too cold; you just had to dress in layers. The Bigwood family Christmas tradition will continue on because of a red/black checked nightshirt Laurie made for Chuck one Christmas.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Laurie; children Joshua (Michelle), Andrew (Nicole), Zachary (Mikan), and Matthew (Jacqueline); and a loving group of grandchildren: Kaleb, Hannah, Abigail, Elizabeth, Samuel, Gracie Aiken, McCrae Aiken, Devlin, Anwen, Aoife, Ethan, and Nathan. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara (Barb) Bigwood; siblings, Robert (Gretchen), Patty (Doug) Torkelson, and John (Carole); and brother-in-law, Ernie Holmquist. Additionally, he leaves behind a legacy of love represented by 14 nephews and 11 nieces; and his sisters and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; sister, Janet Holmquist; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Bigwood.

Services for Chuck will be held at Valley Christian Assembly in Breckenridge, Minnesota, with visitation on Friday, September 26th, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by a prayer service and Saturday, September 27th, at 11 am, with visitation one hour before. His presence will be deeply missed, yet his legacy of love, laughter, and life lessons will continue to resonate profoundly among all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to The Perry Center, 2345 Meadow Ridge Parkway, West Fargo, ND 58078.