Charles "Chuck" P. Drake

Chuck’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Charles “Chuck” Pollitt Drake passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND.

Charles William Pollitt was born November 4, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Muriel and Charles Pollitt. At the age of five, Charles’ mother died of polio and he was sent to live with grandparents until the age of 12, when he was later adopted by his mother’s half-sister, Rosalie Drake. After having graduated Shattuck Military Academy in Faribault, MN in 1956, Charles took a train home to Chicago where he enlisted in the US Navy. Chuck completed naval officer training and was stationed on the USS Columbus. He spent his naval career stationed in the Pacific Southwest and retired after 20 years as Chief Petty Officer.

Charles married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Edwards) on May 9, 1959. The couple had two beautiful children, Teri Lynn and Lori Leann. Having made a life for themselves in both California and Hawaii, the couple relocated to Minnesota where Chuck worked briefly in maintenance engineering before becoming a successful business owner. He purchased Sunlite Grocery (turned bar!) in Detroit Lakes, and later The County Line in Lake Park.

Charles was a lifelong learner and loved going to school. He earned his master’s degree in social sciences and later obtained his LADC and LPCC. He went to work for Meritcare & St. John’s before opening his own counseling business together with Elaine Burau. In 1992, Chuck branched out on his own and started Drake Counseling Services in Fargo, ND specializing in substance use disorders. He began teaching at NDSU and St. Mary University in his spare time, recruiting some of his best students. In 2009 at 70 years old, Charles obtained his PhD in Philosophy from NDSU and opened additional satellite and inpatient offices in Detroit Lakes, MN, Jamestown, ND, and Grand Forks, ND.

After many poor attempts at retirement, Charles officially retired and closed his beloved family business after 30 years. Charles will always be remembered for his contagious laughter, collective heart, inexhaustible generosity, energetic encouragement and devoted love for anyone he came across.

Charles is survived by daughters, Teri (Randy) Vareberg, Vergas, MN, Lori Drake, Fargo; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Shane) Rohweder, West Fargo, ND, Steven Vareberg, Horace, ND, Charles (Krystal) Vareberg, Detroit Lakes; nine great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Halle, Korbin, Kash, Kloee, Piper, Flannery, Edith, and Margaret; brother, John (Marilyn) Drake, Baldwin, MI; and sister-in-law, Sharon Hill, Detroit Lakes.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary, his parents and siblings.