MacDonald, Charles E. (1953-2010)

MACDONALD, HOSIER, SMITH, TRAVERS, COOPER, DODGE, GUTRIDGE, DUMIRE, BUCK, KOEHLER, KEHE, ILER, BERUBE

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 9/8/2010 at 11:14:54

Charles E. MacDonald
November 11, 1953 - September 01, 2010

Storm Lake, Iowa

Chuck MacDonald, age 56, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died September 1, 2010, at his home in Storm Lake.

Chuck to friends, Mac to fellow law enforcement and Charley to family, was born November 11, 1953, at Sculthorpe Air Force Base in Norfolk, England, to Conrad K and Carla B (Hosier) MacDonald. Chuck’s early elementary years were in Kezar Falls, Maine, and then Pocahontas, Iowa, before moving to Plover, Iowa.

After graduating from Havelock-Plover High School, Chuck moved to Storm Lake working as a full time fireman for 13 months. Chuck’s father “Mac” had been a fire chief in Maine and in Plover. Living above the City Hall, Chuck became friends with police officers so it was an easy transition to that department where he served for 27 years. During that tenure, he spent several years as an EMT and part time for Buena Vista County Hospital. A number of people over the years owe their lives to that training.

Chuck was specially trained in arson investigation and explosive investigation. He volunteered many hours in support of building the new police station. Chuck spent many hours researching the names of persons who had served as police officers in Storm Lake by using city minutes and library records from old newspapers. The result was a plaque at the police station listing the names he found.

When asked why he was a police officer, he stated, “My goal was always to try to help.” In true “Mac” fashion he also stated, “I worked with some of the best people in the world and a couple of the worst.”

Chuck enjoyed his church family at Lakeside Presbyterian, serving as an Elder, Deacon, and for many years, as a member of the Property Usage Commissions.

The Boy Scouts of America became a very important part of Chuck’s life. He was an assistant Scout Master of Troop 103, a District Chairman of Thundercloud District, a Committee Member of Park 104 and Troop 103, a Wood Badge Support Staff as an owl patrol member for Mid America Council. He assisted in the joining of Prairie Gold Council to Mid America Council to ensure that the scouting program would continue locally.

While a police officer, “Mac” attended classes at Iowa Central Community College in spite of a difficult schedule. He graduated with an Associate Degree with honors.

Chuck married Kay Smith on March 6, 1976, to whom he was a very loving and faithful husband for 34 years. They were official and unofficial foster parents to a number of special young people.

Chuck and Kay were very blessed with one son, Ian David MacDonald.

Chuck loved living in Emerald Park where he accepted Evelyn Block into his family as a dear friend. Special thanks to her children, David and Kay, for sharing such a wonderful lady.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Kay, of Storm Lake; son, Ian (Laura) of Thornton, CO; father-in-law, Mansel Smith of Newell, IA; siblings: Catherine (Paul) Travers of Parkton, MD; Connie (Charles-Chip) Cooper of Paroli, PA; Claudia (Mike) Dodge of Colorado Springs, CO; Carl MacDonald of Colorado Springs, CO; Cheryl (Gavin) Gutridge of Papillion, NE; Colin MacDonald of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, Max (Joyce) Smith of Mount Ayr, IA; several nieces and nephews; cousins: Ray Dumire and Jeanie Buck Koehler; aunts, Barbara Kehe; Jan (Fred) Iler; Cindy (Roger) Berube; and very special neighbors: Jack (Sally) Kooker who helped Chuck with his , who included Chuck in their group.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, “Mac” and Carla; infant sister, Coralee; mother-in-law, Wonda Smith; and good friends, Beth Rouse and Evelyn Block.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. September 07, 2010, at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake, Iowa
Visitation: 5-8:00 p.m. September 06, 2010, at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa
Interment: 00, 000 at Leon Cemetery in Leon, Iowa

Copyright © 2010, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

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