Charles Otis Reese

Charles Otis Reese, age 59, passed away peacefully at home in Robbinsdale, Minnesota on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by family. In his final moments, his loved ones comforted him with the song "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder, gentle touches, and words of gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind.

Born on August 15, 1966, in Hammond, Indiana to Sara Owens and Charles Reese, Charles grew up deeply connected to family. He cherished childhood memories with his special cousins Dante Montgomery and Sean Loften, and shared special bonds with his maternal grandparents Rosetta & Robert Loften and paternal grandparents Essie Mae & Clarence Hutchinson Jr.. 

His life was enriched by the love and support of Roosevelt and Aunt Betty Loften. Charles was a man of genuine humility, never desiring material wealth-only love, respect, and trust. He advocated fiercely for his children, teaching them to speak boldly, think critically, and honor their own voices. His sharp wit, intelligence, and kindred spirit touched everyone he encountered. For 28 years, he brought laughter, joy, and deep conversations to the love of his life. Together, they created a home filled with music, movie nights, family gatherings, long talks, and unconditional love. He often said that empathy-feeling someone else's pain-is the true foundation of humility, and he lived by that principle daily. Charles enjoyed old-school music, ESPN, singing, walking the family dog, playing the daily lottery, and celebrating life's simple pleasures. But above all, his greatest joy was watching his children grow and stay true to themselves. 

Reflections from His Child 

 When we remember our dad and the lessons he taught us growing up, there are two specific ones that quickly come to mind that we still carry with us. With the first lesson being to always find the joy in life. By introducing us to funny figures like Bernie Mac and Martin, providing hilarious commentary while watching crazy shows on television, or by simply telling us a funny story from his childhood while he walked me and my siblings home from school; our dad always made sure to find times to keep us laughing and entertained as kids. You see, our dad didn't have an easy life, but he nonetheless survived in spite of his trauma in order to look forward to better days. So, through these various actions he did for us we all learned a very important lesson. That no matter what you have been or are currently going through, it's important to find an activity or memory that will not only bring you some euphoria, but will also place the same smile on your face that you had as a kid when things didn't seem so big and scary. The second lesson that our dad taught us was how family is everything. With him frequently using the quote, "We're all we got", throughout our childhood. Clothes, jobs, money, and other items come and go throughout life. But family is one universal constant that you can always count on. He taught us that as long as you have a supportive system that's composed of loved one's, you can make it through any situation. No matter how impossible it may seem at the time. Which is what we all shall do now by coming together and honoring this man that has impacted all of our lives in a profound way. Love you dad.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Reese Sr. and Sara Owens. and Grandparents Rossetta & Robert Loften and Essie Mae and Clarence Hutchinson Jr

Survived by, Charles leaves behind: Children: Virginia Rush-Reese, Charles Rush-Reese, Jamvon Rush-Reese, Nicole Rush-Reese and Shavon Rush. Siblings: Carol Meadows, Charles Reese Jr., Calvin Reese, and Shawn Shelton, Aunt Shirley Peterson, Uncle Robert Loften Jr, and A Host of beloved Aunts, Uncles, Relatives and Friends