Charles W. Hallerud, 84, of Redfield, SD died Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Redfield. Charles will be buried at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis on Friday at 12:30 p.m. MDT with full military honors. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Charles was born April 17, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Ann (Peterson) Hallerud. He attended high school in Chicago and Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Charles was a staff sergeant in the United States Army Air Force serving in the European Theatre during WWII. After his discharge, Charles lived in Sioux Falls and attended Augustana College for 31/2 years. He moved to Ft. Meade VA Medical Center for health reasons. He moved to Redfield in 1970, where he was affectionately known as "Popcorn Charley". Charley lived in Redfield until moving to Ft. Meade VA Hospital and then to Golden Living Center in 2002.

Charley was a member of Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 and Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 and Redfield Senior Citizens.

Charley enjoyed riding his bike around Redfield and visiting with anyone that would take the time to talk.

Charley is survived by his sister Ruth Smith of Norfolk, NE; nieces and nephews and his guardian and friend David (Sandy) Durfee of Redfield, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Walter.