CHURCH, Charles Raymond 1920-2000
CHURCH, HUNTER, SIMON
Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/22/2009 at 23:37:00
Charles Raymond Church, 80, died peacefully at his home in Stacyville, with his loving family near, early on May 5, 2000.
Charles was born Feb. 10, 1920, on a farm near Osage to Raymond Dunham and Cecile (Hunter) Church. He worked on farms in the Little Cedar area until his service in the U.S. Army from August 1942 until November 1945. He served with distinction, achieving the rank of sergeant and received two Bronze Stars for his bravery in battles in France and Germany.
Charles was united in marriage to Helen A. Simon of Stacyville on June 17, 1948. They began farming near Little Cedar that year. In 1951, they moved to a farm they eventually purchased near Stacyville. During his farming career, Charles served on the Board of Directores of the Stacyville Cooperative Creamery for 21 years and as president of that organization. Charles was a member of the Stacyville American Legion Post 569 and was the post commander for one year. He was also a member of the Eagles Club in Austin.
Charles was an avid bowler for many years in Osage and in Stacyville. As a farmer, he had little time or interest in golf, but upon his retirement in 1983, it became his favorite recreation. He loved golfing with his wife Helen, his many friends and his family. He belonged first to the Riceville Country Club and then to the St. Ansgar Country Club. In 1996, he became a proud achiever of a golfer's ultimate dream, hitting a hole in one, using the unusual choice of his driver, on the par three number eight hole at the St. Ansgar course.
Besides golfing, one of Charles' favorite pastimes was visiting and playing with his 13 grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking and making gifts for family and friends. Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa in Charles City.
Survivors include his wife Helen of Stacyville; brother Rolland (Bub) Church of Osage; three sons: Dennis (Mary-Lou) Church of Madison, Wis.; David (Arlene) Church of Stacyville; Dean (Liana) Church of rural Osage; two daughters Karen Church of Burnsville and Mary (Steve) Wilder of St. Ansgar; six grandsons and six granddaughters.
Preceding Charles in death were his parents, Ray and Cecile Church, sister Vera Hickey, grandson Phillip Church and neice, Sandra (Church) Newton.
· Services: 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, the Rev. John Moser officiating.
· Interment: Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with military honors by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569.
· Visitation: 3-8 p.m. Sunday at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is in charge of the arrangements.
[Austin Daily Herald, May 7, 2000]
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Photo of Charles and Helen Church, from MITCHELL COUNTY PICTORIAL ATLAS, 1977.
Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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