Weidlein, Charles Wendell (1944-2020)

WEIDLEIN, NELSON, GANDRUP, LAMBERT

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 19:34:21

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa
March 11, 2020

Charles “Chuck” Weidlein, 76, of Webster City died Friday, March 6, 2020 at the VA Central Iowa Health Care in Des Moines. Per his request no services will be held. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.

Charles Wendell Weidlein, son of Wendell and Opal (Nelson) Weidlein, was born January 25, 1944 in Webster City. He graduated from Webster City High School and Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Science. Charles served in the United States Army, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry “Iron Rakkasans” with the 101st Airborne Division from 1967 to 1969. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Medal for his service in Vietnam. Charles was united in marriage to Elaine Gandrup. The couple later divorced. He took over the family farm he grew up on in 1971 until he sold it in 1992. He worked several jobs after, including Home Appliance and Laughlin Tire settling at Kenco until his retirement.

Chuck is survived by his children, Cathy (Kevin) Lambert, Wendy Weidlein, William Weidlein; brother Glenn (Beth) Weidlein, and his beloved rescue dog, Sissy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Chuck was a gifted artisan and loved woodcarving and especially leatherwork. He loved horses, trading, training, trail riding, and sharing his considerable knowledge. He had a real knack for finding animals with a gentle temperament. He enjoyed guns and gun shows, trading and collecting interesting firearms. He was also an avid car collector, die cast and full-sized models, especially yellow ones. He was a devoted father, brother, and son, who never ended a visit or call without saying “I love you.”

Chuck detested funerals, causing him to miss many, often leading him to joke that he would make it up to everyone by not having one of his own. The family has decided to host an outdoor celebration of his life when the weather and schedules allow and will welcome your favorite Chuck stories to share there. Memorial gifts will be donated to dog rescue organizations in his name.