Charlene "Char" Backlund

Charlene "Char" Backlund, 83, longtime Superior resident, died Thursday, July 26, 2018 at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Superior, WI on May 1, 1935, the daughter of Charles and Jean (McDonald) Cwodzinski.

Char graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing as a LPN in 1954. She married Ray Backlund on June 2, 1956 and had celebrated 45 years of marriage.  Char started her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Superior and continued her career at Superior Memorial Hospital as an emergency room nurse.  While there she was offered a job at the East End Clinic and became known as the nurse that wore her nurse’s cap.  She wore her cap proudly until she retired from the Mariner Clinic in 1997.

Char was an avid Packers fan and won many bets from Viking fans.  She loved watching Badger football and watching the Minnesota and Wisconsin boys high school state hockey tournaments.   She looked forward to her lunches monthly with “the golden girls” at Barkers Island.  She enjoyed her gardens and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by three daughters, Kim (Rodney) Visger, Clayton, WI, Rae Ann (Laura) Backlund, Superior, Wisconsin and Jean Ann (Chad) Smykalski, Akeley, MN; one son, Charles “Butch” (Gail) Backlund, Castle  Rock, CO; eleven grandchildren, Andy, Erin, Justin, Melissa, John, Nicholas, Danette, Desirae, William, Spencer and Lexi; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Char was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ramon; one brother, Charles“Bud” Cwodzinski  and one granddaughter, Beth Ann Visger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mariner Clinic, the Advanced Wound Clinic at St. Luke’s Hospital; Dr Jarrod Buresh and David. The family would also like to thank St. Luke’s Hospice, Deb, Tina and Jackie, Dove Health Care, St. Mary’s, Superior Second Floor staff and finally Char’s care team, Lynne, Laura and Pam.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 4315 E. 3 ^rd Street, Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. David Neuschwander and Rev. Fr. Dean Buttrick as concelebrants. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .