Charlotte Ann Highby

Charlotte Ann Highby was born near Garvin, Minnesota, on January 8, 1926, to Otto and Clara (Peterson) Ludwig. She was baptized at Modem Lutheran Church, Lake Sarah Township, on April 2, 1926, and was confirmed May 1939. She grew up on the family farm and spent most of her life in southwest Minnesota—except for a short stay with her sister Dorothy, in Rockford, Illinois, during World War II. 

In 1948, Charlotte met her future husband, Russell Wilfred Highby, on a blind date in Tracy where she was a telephone operator. On June 16, 1950, she married Russell at Modem Lutheran Church. Russell and Charlotte lived on the family farm most of their married life, moving to Valley View Apartments, Lamberton, in November 2012, and Valley View Manor in November 2017, where Russell passed away on December 24, 2017. Of their life together, Charlotte said, “It couldn’t have been better.” When asked if she had ever thought of moving to town earlier, Charlotte said “no” as she and Russell were “having too much fun” on the farm.

 In later years, Russell and Charlotte enjoyed getting out most days, especially for church on Sunday, and almost daily visits to Nellie’s Cafe in Walnut Grove. Of her life at Valley View Manor, Charlotte said, VVM was “home to me, now” with “the best nurses around.” A member of Old Westbrook Lutheran Church, she was active in Ladies Aid and Dorcus Circle. Of her faith in Jesus Christ, Charlotte said, “I know I can call upon Him when I need Him … trust in the Lord.” 

Preceding Charlotte in death were her parents, her sisters Lois (Robison) and Dorothy (Jensen), and her husband, Russell. She is survived by her two children, Lowell Highby and Janet (Loren) Poehler, and six grandchildren: Cameron Poehler, Amanda (Nathan Paulnock) Poehler, and Alex, Kierra (Garret Marsh), Callie, and Eva Highby.