Charles (Chuck) Oscar Bork passed away on September 27, 2026, surrounded by family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. He was 98 years old.

Charles was born on October 11, 1927, to Charles and Fay Bork in Hinckley.

Charles belonged to a distinct, heroic generation of Americans who answered the call to arms across two major global conflicts. During World War II, he proudly entered the United States Naval Reserve, serving as a Seaman First Class aboard the Clevland-class light cruiser, USS Miami during the historic Battle of Okinawa. Following a brief return to civilian life, Charles stepped forward a second time during the Korean War, enlisting in the newly formed United States Air Force on January 4, 1951. Stationed at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, he was quickly promoted to Staff Sargeant. He was honorably discharged on September 3, 1953, having given over eight cumulative years of service to his country across both the land and sea.

When in Nebraska, he attended the University of Omaha for food management. This and his natural-born sales talent brought him sales jobs at Kraft foods and Brown and Bigelow. Meanwhile, he was planting trees in Hinckley, preparing to build his legacy.

By 1958, he started B&S Tree Farm, eventually owning several hundred acres and selling millions of Christmas and nursery trees. He was a highly respected pioneer in the Minnesota Christmas Tree Producers Association and frequently won competitive honors at the Minnesota State Fair for the exceptional quality of his pines. His legacy in the tree-growing business was recognized by numerous awards over his lifetime.

In addition to his passion for growing trees, Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family, scoring a total of 48 elk and many deer in his lifetime.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and David, life-partner Mable Ann, and great-grandson Mason. He is survived by his son, Todd; stepdaughter, Kelly (Tom) Henry; grandsons Nathan (Laura) Bork, Travis (Kasey) Bork and Austin (Inghi) Bork; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary (Jerry) Olerud; dear friend Bernice Bergseth; and nieces and nephews.

Charles was the patriarch of a large family and a friend and mentor to many in the tree industry. Despite his long life, he will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held to honor Charles at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, with visitation one hour prior. A visitation also will be held Friday, October 9th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Methven Funeral Home in Sandstone.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.