Theodore "Ted" Paul duCharme

Theodore “Ted” Paul duCharme, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family — exactly where he wanted to be.

Ted was born on November 2, 1946, to Louis and Monica duCharme of Barnesville. He grew up in Barnesville attending Barnesville High School, where he was an athlete and made many lifelong friends.

Ted graduated from Moorhead State University in 1969, earning a degree in business and marketing. While there, he was an active member of the Owls fraternity and formed bonds with his fraternity brothers that have lasted a lifetime.

Ted married Ellen Beischel of Wisconsin, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and laughter. Ted and Ellen returned to Barnesville in 1999 to the duCharme family homestead. He continued his 35-year real estate career in Barnesville with opening his own office under Advantage Real Estate in 2024. His kindness, honesty and caring were part of every transaction. Ted served as Barnesville Township Clerk for 20 years. He respected the board members and their work and attended meetings through the last week of his life. Over the years, Ted’s office was the site for KFGO programming during potato days. During the lean years of real estate, Ted worked as manager of the Wahpeton VFW from 2014-2017 where he made many new friends.

For Ted, Barnesville was his world. He was third generation, loved this community, and knew it’s history inside and out. He shared so many laughs and stories, telling them in his office with many visitors. Ted and “the boys” met for coffee at least once a week to discuss ‘important business,’ followed by his regular trips to the Cenex for coffee and his copy of the Record Review.

Those who knew Ted will remember his quick wit, great sense of humor, loyalty, and genuine kindness. Above all else, he loved his family and was proud to be a husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.

Ted’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to his cherished niece & nephew, Yvette Lewis and Andre duCharme, along with their families. Their unwavering love, constant presence, and dedicated support provided immeasurable comfort to both Ted and Ellen, serving as a true testament to the strength of their family bond.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Monica duCharme; his brother, Pierre duCharme; his daughter, Nicole Ewing; and his grandson, Louis duCharme.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Ellen; his son, Marc (Kerry) duCharme of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his special step-son Tom (LaDonna) Beischel of Barnesville; his grandchildren, Joe and Jack Ewing and Aiden duCharme; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him deeply.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held this spring at his home on the family homestead in Barnesville — a place that meant so much to him.

Ted’s legacy of service, love, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace, and they will forever cherish the memories and his warm presence.

In Ted’s memory, donations may be made to the “duCharme Scholarship Fund”, where a scholarship has been established to honor a Barnesville High School student who excels in both academics and athletics.

* Please include memo on any donations to “the duCharme scholarship fund” mailed to Barnesville Area Community Fund, PO Box 461, Barnesville, MN 56514*