Charles D. “Charley” Duffy

DUFFY, KASPER, BRADLEY, DESJARDINS, DANKER, COOK

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 2/25/2011 at 12:49:34

Charles D. “Charley” Duffy, 83, of rural Solon passed away at home in his sleep on Tuesday morning, February 22, 2011.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Friday February 25th at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Phillips officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm at Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City, where a Parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Charles Duffy Memorial Fund.
Charles Duffy enjoyed offices and activities on numerous environmental, political, agricultural, educational, health, athletic, civic, and fraternal boards and associations with extensive honors, awards, and recognitions.

Charles served 12-years as member and Chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. He was instrumental in developing Emergency Management and roadside protection and organic land use. He was principal director on the original National Groundwater Policy Forum with Bruce Babbitt in Washington DC and co-authored the book Groundwater: Saving the Unseen Resource sponsored by the National Governor’s Association and Conservation Foundation. Lifetime political activity includes visiting President FDR at the White House as a child. Charles remained active in presidential politics and hosted John Glenn’s international-media Iowa Caucus event on his farm and events for Bill Clinton, Bruce Babbitt and Dick Gephardt. He served on Johnson County’s original Health Board and the Iowa City Catholic School Board.

As a graduate of Iowa State University Livestock Program, Charles was a respected Midwest livestock judge and raised registered Shorthorn cattle. He served as Farm Bureau president and director of the first Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee. He held offices in 47 livestock associations and received all awards as 4-H Leader including induction into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Charles was also named to the Iowa City High School Hall of Fame.

Charles and Joyce Kasper married on July 28, 1948. His parents were Joseph P. and Laura Duffy.

As a young child Charles’ natural singing talent was discovered by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans followed by talent scouts who chose Charles to be Shirley Temple’s singing companion in films. However, his parents said No Thank You, likewise when he was asked to play son to Henry Fonda in The Grapes of Wrath. Charles enjoyed singing and acting around his family his entire life.

Charles was also a fine athlete, played first string varsity basketball at Iowa City High, pitched fast-league baseball, and set the record for the farthest ball hit out of the Brown Street Diamond. He coached 4-H basketball five seasons.

Charles is survived by his wife Joyce; their son Charles J. “Chuck” Duffy, who continues farming, and daughters, Bonnie Bradley, Patricia desJardins, Beth Duffy, and Lora (John)Danker; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; his siblings include Betty of California, Emery of Illinois and Alta Cook of Iowa City.
Preceded by his parents and his brother Bob.