Ira, Charles "Chuck" Clinton 1926 - 2020

IRA, CIBUZAR, JAROSH, IRA-MESSMORE, NOVAK, MCGREW, SMITH, KENNON, CHARDOULIAS, HAAS, MOORE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:40

U.S. Veteran
Charles “Chuck” Clinton Ira, age 94, of Spillville, IA, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial with full military honors on Friday, September 4, 2020 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Everyone attending is asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In Lieu of flowers: Memorials may be sent to the family. Dolores Ira, PO Box 301, Spillville, IA 52168

Charles was born on February 25, 1926 in Spillville, the youngest of 4 children to Adolph and Emma (Cibuzar) Ira. He attended grade school in Spillville and graduated from Calmar High School. As a young boy, he enjoyed living by the river where he was a few steps away to fish, ice skate or make ice to deliver to local families. He earned money by herding cows through town to pasture in the mornings and brought them back again in the evenings. He also mowed lawns and worked at Haug’s Department Store. Charles enlisted in the US Navy and was sworn in on his 17th birthday in 1943. After Basics at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, Chuck reported for duty aboard the USS Battleship Texas, the flagship of the Normandy Fleet. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, including the Invasion of Normandy, Cherbourg, Southern France, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. While on the Texas, Charles was a gunner on a 40MM anti-aircraft gun mount. He witnessed raising the American flag on Mt. Surabachi at Iwo Jima where the Texas was positioned about 1000 yards off shore. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Charles spent a few years as an iron worker and was assigned to the building of the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Iowa City. He returned to Spillville in 1950, where he purchased the Spillville Feed Mill and remained in that business for 30 years. Chuck met his future wife, Dolores Jarosh, at the Inwood Ballroom, and were married May 7, 1951 at Assumption Church in Little Turkey. In 1956, they built a home in Spillville and in 1969 they purchased a small farm with 6,000 laying hens. They also raised some cattle, hogs, fed and chased a few horses and had enough work to keep all the kids busy.

Charles was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #467 (where he served as Commander for several years), Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Disabled American Veterans, Veteran’s Affairs in Decorah, The Holy Name Society, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, St. Wenceslaus Parish Historical Society, and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He and Dolores were involved in the TEC and Pre-Cana programs. Chuck also served on the South Winneshiek School Board for 3 years and was finally awarded his high school diploma by the Superintendent, 40 years later!

Charles was a survivor! He battled undiagnosed PTSD, proudly overcame alcoholism in 1965 and celebrated 55 years, remaining sober until his death. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and helped many people over the years successfully work the 12-step program of AA.

Over the years, Chuck and his bride enjoyed many dances at the Inwood Ballroom. They were also avid fishing buddies, and instilled their love for fishing to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They attended several reunions for the USS Texas, and traveled to Mexico, Hawaii and the Czech Republic. They were fortunate to locate some relatives on some of their travels. Charles was a great cheerleader for his children and grandchildren’s many activities like football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, and 4-H. In 2001, Charles and Dolores retired from the farm and moved into a new house in Spillville built by UKC (Us Kids Construction). In retirement, Chuck loved to play cards (especially Dade’ with the Spillville guys), put puzzles together and watch baseball, softball, and National Geographic on TV.

He is survived by Dolores, his wife of 69 years, Five daughters: Rona Ira-Messmore, Hudson, Peggy Novak, Cedar Falls, Nancy (Steve) McGrew, Van Horne, Cindy Ira (Galen) Smith, Worthington, MN, Teresa (Jeff) Kennon, Lime Springs, Two sons: Jeffrey Ira, New Hampton, and Terry (Amy) Ira, Iowa City. Grandchildren: Scott (Bobbi) Messmore, Patrick (Renee) Messmore, Brent Messmore, Nick (Ashley) Chardoulias, Andrew (Whitney) Chardoulias, Erin (Nate) Haas, Alex (Katelyn) McGrew, Jason Smith, Rachel Smith, Leslie (Fiancé Ryan Young) Ira, Kathryn (Austin) Moore, Abby Kennon, Cassy Kennon, Emily Ira & Luke Ira, Twenty six great grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Chuck is now reunited in paradise with his parents Adolph and Emma Ira and 3 brothers, Virgil, Victor J. and Victor V. Ira. He is holding his baby great granddaughter, Catherine Messmore on his lap, talking about the war with his Son-in-law Larry Novak, and giggling, laughing and putting puzzles together with his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Ira, and enjoying a great meal with the ability to eat all the sweets he wants!

Source: Schluter-Balik Funeral Home database

St. Wenceslaus Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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