Charles A. Whitesell

CADENA, DEGRAW, SCHWARTZEL, WALKER, WHITESELL

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 11/25/2016 at 12:01:19

Charles A. Whitesell, 76, of Hazleton, Iowa died Monday morning, November 21, 2016 at Unity Point-Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Graveside Service: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Hazleton Fontana Cemetery, Hazleton, Iowa with Russell Nesbit officiating. Interment: Hazleton Fontana Cemetery, Hazleton, Iowa with military honors. Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein is assisting the family.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Charles Albert Whitesell was born August 11, 1940 at Middletown, Ohio, the son of Corliss & Clementine (Schwartzel) Whitesell. He attended school in Middletown, Ohio and continued his education in college. Charles proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1975. On April 20, 1975, Charles was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bethena Mae DeGraw, in Alhambra, California. They lived in California for many years. Charles was a structural steel draftsman, retiring from Washington Iron Works as a senior draftsman. They moved to Hazleton, Iowa in 2011 to be near Bethena’s family. Charles was formerly a member of the Oelwein American Legion Ross Reid Post #9. He enjoyed square dancing, going to the Hootinany and watching humming birds in the garden.

Charles is survived by his step-daughter: Debra DeGraw of Mendocino, California; step-son: Mark Cadena of Shingle Springs, California; brother-in-law: Ralph (Elaine) DeGraw of Delhi; sister-in-law: Elsie (Charles) Walker of Oelwein and many Nieces & Nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Bethena on May 7, 2016 and 2 brothers: Ernie & Dave Whitesell.