Obituary of Charles Bost McCreary

Charles Bost McCreary "Chuck", a dedicated husband, father, physician, marathon runner, train aficionado, and piano enthusiast, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 23, 2024, leaving a remarkable legacy of service and care. Born in Phillips, Wisconsin, and raised in Sheboygan, Charles pursued his passion for medicine at Carthage College and earned his MD from the University of Minnesota, where he met and married Miriam (Naumann) McCreary, MD.

Chuck completed his medical residency at St. Louis County Hospital, Clayton, Missouri before embarking on a life of service first, as a medical missionary. He and Miriam traveled to India, where they provided compassionate medical care for five years, with a focus on tuberculosis, to communities in need, supported by the Missouri Lutheran Synod Church.

After returning to Minnesota, Chuck dedicated himself to public health, specifically aiming to enhance health care for Native American communities. He later resumed his medical practice and completed a family practice residency at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Subsequently, he became a Family Practice physician at Pilot City Health Center in north Minneapolis, where he cared for countless patients with dedication and kindness for 18 years.

While singing in The Accents jazz group, he met Myrtle Sparrow, and they married on February 16, 1985. He retired in 1993 and continued his spirit of service helping others in AA. He frequently sponsored individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction and remained a dedicated supporter of AA principles for many years.

Chuck had many passions outside of medicine, including a love for trains, photography, and music. He was an accomplished jazz pianist who performed at The Malt Shop in Minneapolis and Walker Place, bringing joy to everyone who listened. An avid runner, he completed 13 marathons, demonstrating his commitment to physical and mental endurance. In 2013, he published "Train Pictures: A Railfan's Memoir" with his longtime friend, John Sachse.

Chuck is preceded in death by his wife Myrtle and parents George Boal McCreary, Florence Edwina Bost McCreary, and brother John. He is survived by children, Peggy, Daniel (Ann Kelly), John (Cindy Lowe), and Susan Westrich (Brian); stepdaughter Linda Walford; thirteen grandchildren; siblings Sally Davis, David (Jianni), and James (Gretchen); former wife, Miriam (Kenneth Kauffman), nieces, nephews, and many friends and relatives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.

Memorials preferred to the Washburn High School Foundation at https://www.washburnconnections.org/ to support young people’s passions for photography and music. Chuck’s four children and three siblings graduated from Washburn.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 30th at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina: 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
10 am - Visitation
11 am - Celebration of Life Service
Reception to follow