Charles "Choo Choo" Kirkendall

Charles "Choo Choo" Kirkendall, formerly of Maynard, and Renville, MN passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society - Oakes, ND at the age of 77.

Memorial services will be held Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Maynard Lutheran Church with Pastor Joyce Capp officiating. Burial will be at Maynard Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church.

Charles Eugene Kirkendall was born October 12, 1948 in Willmar, MN the son of Charles and Iola (Anderson) Kirkendall. He was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in 1961. He graduated from Maynard High School Class of 1966. After high school he received his degree in radio broadcasting from Brown Institute. He furthered his education by also attending school for drafting and design.

Charlie worked as a DJ at KDMA, KOLV and other radio stations. His radio career began in his teenage years as he would “broadcast” the neighborhood shenanigans from his upstairs bedroom window. Known on air to many as Charlie K of the Milky Way, he was very knowledgeable and loved all things having to do with music.

Despite his love of art and music, his greatest love was the railroad. Charlie’s obsession with trains began at the tender age of four when his mother first walked him across the railroad tracks. He was an avid collector of model trains and train memorabilia. He had a vast collection that he proudly displayed not only at his home but also at various train shows. While residing in Renville, MN he worked for some time at the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative as a switch engine operator. He also worked for Milwaukee Road, and TC&W Railroad. He later relocated to Oakes, ND working as a railroad engineer for Dakota Missouri Valley & Western Railroad where he retired from in 2011.

While in Oakes, where he had resided for the last 20+ years, Charlie kept busy with many hobbies. He devoted much of his time volunteering at the Dickey County Senior Center where he delivered many meals, shared many stories, and made many lasting friendships. In his free time he enjoyed listening to music, drawing trains, doing train puzzles, watching westerns, and going on his weekly bus trip to Aberdeen to shop at Hobby Lobby for train accessories and to get his “McDonald’s burger”.

Charlie had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Everyone that knew him, loved him. He always had a story to tell, whether it be about his time in radio, his love for trains, or his family. He also had a love for animals. He made sure no stray was left unfed. He joked that when one would disappear two more would appear. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and infectious laugh.

He is survived by his brother, Douglas Kirkendall of Granite Falls; six nieces, Laura Tolzmann, Jennifer Keller (Justin), Stefanie Mickels (Jeff), Krista Willander (David), Darcie Pennings (Steve), and Allison Carter (Matt); 18 great nieces and nephews; and 7 great-great nieces and nephews as well as several close friends and acquaintances who he also considered his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister, Beverly Mickels as well as his feline best friend Tallulah.