Charles Lincoln Dirlam, formerly of Eugene, died February 18, 2010.
He was born to Philip and Hattie Dirlam January 14, 1916 in Panora, Iowa. His family had moved to Redwood Falls in 1919. Charles married Lois Sorensen January 13, 1938. They were married 67 years until Lois passed away. After high school Charles attended Dunwoody Institute and then moved to Eugene, Ore. in 1936 to work for Hope Refrigeration. In 1946, he started his own business, Dirlam Refrigeration Company which later became Dirlam Electric Company.
Charles and Lois were active members of Central Lutheran Church and current members of Bethesda Lutheran Church. Charles enjoyed rock hounding, gardening and anything to do with wind and solar energy. He was innovative, inventive and always eager to learn new things.
Survivors include two daughters, Deanna (Claude) Canfield of Meridian, Idaho, Terri (Jerry) Reeher of Dallas, Ore. and two sons, John (Patricia) Dirlam of Belfast, Maine and Ron (Peggy) Dirlam of Denver Colo., six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sister Bertha Alexander and brothers Howard, Aubrey and Maurice Dirlam.
The family thanks Dallas Retirement Village for the wonderful care provided to our father.
A family memorial service will be held later in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.
