Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1861, Charles Luessen was apprenticed to learn the butcher trade at an early age. He worked at Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, South Dakota, and in 1884 he married the sister of his employer in Aberdeen. She passed away in 1892 and he and his children returned to Wisconsin. However, they moved shortly to Aberdeen, then to Hillsboro, North Dakota, and in 1894 to Valley City, where he purchased the Fulton Market.

On February 22, 1898 he married Leonie Eda Noecker, daughter of Leo Noecker of Sanborn, North Dakota. An ambitious man, Charles not only operated a meat market, but engaged in livestock buying and selling, feeding and operated a farm.

Of his children, Alma, Charles and Lena were born by his first wife. His wife, Leonie bore Eda (May 24, 1899); Louise Emma (November 29, 1900); William (August 7, 1902); Fred H. (March 20, 1904); Rose (January 16, 1907); Frank (May 24, 1909) and Florence (February 5, 1913).

Frank received his B.A. Degree from Valley City State College in 1930 and taught for five years before returning to take over the family market, which he operated until 1957. He then opened a Piggly Wiggly store and in 1959 he returned to teaching, although he was president of the Shy Ann Meat Service and Supply.

In 1940 Juanita Cozart and Frank were married. A teacher by profession, she is presently Chairman of the English Department of the Valley City High School.

Since 1965 Frank has actively managed the Shy Ann Meat Service and Supply. The Luessens have four children: Francis Nita; Frederick; Charles E. and Jon.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 144