Charlotte Kakela

Charlotte M. Kakela, 91 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Eventide Heartland Care Center with loving family at her side.

Charlotte is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Services are pending for the spring of 2025.

Charlotte Marlene Held was born on June 25, 1933, in Towner County, North Dakota, the daughter of Frederick H. and Gladys (Christofferson) Held. She attended the Johnson Country School, Rock Lake School, and Devils Lake High School. 

Charlotte was united in marriage to Rudolph Kakela on November 15, 1950, in Devils Lake. They made their home in Detroit MI, Chico CA, Rolla, Leeds, and Churchs Ferry ND. In 1983 they moved to Mesa AZ. Rudy passed away on December 8, 1986, in Mesa.

Charlotte met John Kelty in 1988, and they enjoyed each other and living in Apache Junction AZ. They went on many motorcycle trips and rides with the Blue Angels. John passed away on November 11, 2014. Charlotte made her home in Mesa and then Apache Junction AZ until she returned to Devils Lake in 2017.

Charlotte loved to sew, crochet, and watch sporting events on television until her eyesight failed her. Charlotte especially enjoyed her 90th birthday party where so many friends and relatives came. She talked about that joyous event for a long time.

In August of 2017, Charlotte moved to the Odd Fellows Basic Care Home and in August of 2020 she entered the Eventide Heartland Care Center where she lived until her passing.

Charlotte’s loving family include her children Karen Buske, Fort Collins CO, Keith (Susan) Kakela, Devils Lake and Kathleen Kakela Rosalez, Wasilla, AK; grandchildren Christopher Buske, CO, Justin Kakela (Mark B. Ulrich), Adrian, MI, Nathan Kakela (Stephanie Kainz), Fargo ND, Zachary Kakela, Fargo ND, Megan Kakela (Ryan Baxley) St. Paul MN, and Robert Kakela (Gloria), Mesa AZ; great grandchild Everett Robert Kakela Baxley; brother-in-law Kenneth Blazer; John’s children and their families Barbara Eagen, Sue Cleveland, Kate Kelleher, Jeff Kelty, Ed Kelty and John Kelty; several beloved nieces and nephews.

She is reunited with her parents, husband Rudy, loving companion John Kelty, brother Fred H. (Peggy) Held Jr., sons-in-law Steven Buske and Ruben Rosalez, sisters and brothers-in-law Virginia Blazer, Charmaine (Buck) Mitchell, and Ken Jemtrud.