CHAVEZ, Carlos J.

CHAVEZ, SOLORZANO, ESPINOSA, WIRTH, GALMISH, SPAULDON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/10/2017 at 18:29:22

Obituary ~ Carlos J. Chavez
September 25, 1919 ~ September 13, 2016

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
September 28, 2016

BOONE — Carlos J. Chavez, 96, of Boone and formerly of Mason City, died Sept. 13, 2016, at the Westhaven Community in Boone, Iowa.

Memorial services were held Sept. 22 at Schroeder Memorial Chapel in Boone.

Burial of his cremated remains was on Sept. 23 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter.

Carlos J. Chavez, was born Sept. 25, 1919, the son of Vincente and Catalinda (Solorzano) Chavez, in San Antonio, Texas. Carlos lived in Mason City, Iowa, before entering and serving with the United States Army during World War II. He first served as a messenger, delivering messages on a motorcycle to different battalions. While serving, Carlos suffered a wound in St. Lo, France. He was transferred to the 803rd Tank Destroyer Division with the 5th Infantry, moving all over Europe. Carlos was involved with D-Day, the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, under the command of Lt. Col. Charles W. Goodwin and the Battle of the Bulge, under the command of Gen. George S. Patton. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Battle Star.

After the war, Carlos returned to Mason City where he married Josephine Espinosa in 1945. After many years of marriage, the couple divorced. He worked in the air conditioning department for Sedars Pontiac & Cadillac until his retirement in 1978. In Mason City he was a very active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars serving as Post Commander of the All State Team, National Deputy of the MC and served as 3rd District Commander. He was also a member of the B.P.O. Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and was a baseball umpire for 17 years.

Moving to Boone in the early '80s, he was active with the V.F.W. Post No. 817. He was known for his BBQ ribs and hot salsa in both V.F.W. Posts.

Carlos is survived by his daughter, Linda (Craig) Wirth of Boone; his son, Carlos (Nancy) Chavez of Portland, Ore.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his son-in-law, Rick Galmish (Sharon Spauldon) of Idaho Springs, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter; and a son.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed at a later date.

Schroeder Memorial Chapel in Boone is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and photos may be shared at http://www.schroedermemorialchapel.com/.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2017