Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Service: A Celebration of Char’s Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, rural Inwood, IA.
Charlotte “Char” Espeland, age 77, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, rural Inwood, IA. Visitation with family present, will be Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Manna Market Food & More Pantry-316 S Main St, P.O. Box 98, Inwood, IA 51240.
Char was born on February 5, 1948 in Flandreau, SD to Sylvan and Geri (VanGronigen) Golden. She grew up on a farm northwest of Canton. She graduated from Canton High School in 1966. She was united in marriage to Steven Espeland on July 28, 1979 at Canton Lutheran Church.
Char was employed at many places in her lifetime including Otis Radio, McCords, Sencore, Good Samaritan, and Hiawatha Heights. Her all-time favorite place to work was Hiawatha Heights where she was in charge of the activities. She loved being around the residents and getting to know their life stories. She loved all of the residents.
She was devoted to her church family. She would help with Bible Study, compose and print the bulletin, assist with the church website, work with the Altar Guild, and help in any way she could. Her faith was not declared on the roof tops in a loud voice but of quiet whispers in your ear. She lived her life for Jesus.
Char loved her family deeply. She enjoyed being around her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoyed quilting, reading, and traveling with her husband. Char was a person who liked to lovingly tease people, especially her husband. She was a quiet lady and spoke few words but if she did say something people usually listened intently. She had a twinkle in her eye that made all feel at comfort with her.
Char was a foster parent for 13 years and parented 13 foster children with her husband during that period of time. She still kept in touch with 2 of those foster children.
She is survived by her husband Steve; daughters Pam McDonnell, Pennie Espeland, and Sara (Brian) Ekeren; sister Connie (Don) Arp; brother John (Penny) Golden; foster son Andrew Meng and Kristy Black Spotted Horse; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Char was preceded in death by her parents Sylvan and Geri Golden, her son Steven Gries; and brother Charlie Golden.
Sorry to hear of Char’s passing
Steve, so sorry to hear of Char’s passing. Bill Peterson
Steve, sending you my sincere sympathy. I was always so grateful for the many kind and thoughtful ways that Char made my Dad’s days brighter when he was living at Hiawatha Heights. Char made a positive difference in many lives and she will be missed.
The family dinner table has 1 less seat taken, but a beautiful angle to watch over that table. So sad she is gone, she will be greatly missed. We were blessed to have her in our lives.
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord hold you in His arms as you mourn this loss.
So sorry about the passing of Char. In past years we gathered with the families during lots of holidays. Very lovely woman. Our prayers to all of the family
This was beautifully written and said exactly who she was. She will leave behind some wonderful memories but also a sad vacant spot, second row from the front at Our Saviors. Love you Char and Steve
Steve, our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss of Charlotte. You were such a great couple-so giving of your time so many places. Take Care Deb and Skip Sorensen
Prayers sent for comfort on the loss of your beautiful Char
Thoughts and prayers to you and family. What a blessing to share time with Charlotte, Charlie and Sylvan for many years at the Canton VFW.
Steve, Pam, Pennie, Sara, and all who loved Char,
My heart is sad hearing of Char’s passing. Through it all, she showed such graceful stubbornness and calm dignity, which feels so perfectly her. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss.
I always think of Char as a quietly strong, wonderfully quick-witted, and always ready to open her home and her heart to others. Some of my most cherished childhood memories exist because she welcomed our big, loud, crazy family for the 4th of July and Christmas holidays. She made people feel comfortable, accepted, and cared for in a way that felt effortless and genuine.
I hope you find joy in sharing crazy stories, laughter in remembering her humor, and peace in knowing how deeply she was loved and how many lives she touched.
With love from Texas!
Christi, Miguel, Gio & Luciano
Steve, my condolences to you and your family. We missed you at AG. Come back soon.
Galen
Steve, my condolences to you and your family. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We missed you at AG. Come back soon.
my condolences to family.. she was great person.i am sorry Steve and family