Remembering Charlotte Moline: A Champion of Pelican Rapids

By Rebecca Lynn Petersen, Director of Development and Philanthropic Services, and Charlotte’s Friend 

Charlotte Moline once told me she didn’t learn how to swim very well as a child. As an adult, she didn’t want her husband or two sons to be embarrassed because she wasn’t a very good swimmer or diver. So, what did Charlotte do? She secretly took swimming lessons.  

I like to think this story might have been one of the reasons Charlotte took such an interest in the Pelican Rapids Pool project, donating over $1 million to help make that project a reality. I know it made her happy to do that. She especially loved the pictures sent to her of children standing in front of the fundraising thermometer–– even in the winter–– in their swimsuits! 

When Charlotte’s good friends, David and Lois Aas, called to tell me the news of her passing back in July, we reminisced a bit. Not only did I work with Charlotte to help her realize some of her charitable ambitions for Pelican Rapids, but she also became a friend. She taught me how to take care of others and myself. We were constantly giving each other advice about exercise and healthy habits––Charlotte was big on health. When she told me she was taking Pilates lessons at age 85, I was speechless. 

She died at age 90, having accomplished so many things. However, I imagine she will always be remembered for her generosity towards Pelican Rapids.  

We first became acquainted when she called to ask how she could help the school meet its fundraising target to improve the auditorium sound system. She asked how much they needed. “Their goal is $250,000, and they’ve raised $75,000,” I told her. 

Two weeks later, a check arrived, and the school not only got a very nice sound system but also a very nice grand piano. Shortly after that, she got involved in the swimming pool project, and then the soccer field, and then she wanted to know how she could help with the pool hall. 

Charlotte read the Pelican Rapids Press religiously. She kept up on the news and wanted to help people where help was needed. This is one of the reasons she got so involved in giving back to her “heart” community. 

Though Charlotte left Pelican Rapids when she was 18, she never forgot her early life. She shared many stories of that time with me. Pelican Rapids was her home. Her husband, Frank, is laid to rest there, and Charlotte’s ashes will join him soon. 

I miss our phone calls very much. I still have a message from her on my voicemail. I listen to it often. It was after she made an “anonymous” gift to the school––that very first gift––that I saved her message. 

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying, and I’ve decided that I shouldn’t make you or anyone else keep my gift a secret,” Charlotte said. “That’s not fair to you or anyone. You can tell people who I am and why I did what I did. I’m proud to be able to help a community that I love.” 

You will never be forgotten by us, Charlotte Moline.