Baarda, John Charles – 1939-2010

EDGIN, FISH, FORD, LANSER, SMITH

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 10/23/2010 at 12:33:14

J. Charles Baarda, 72, of Pella died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in the Long Term Care Unit at Pella Regional Health Center.
A funeral service will be at 6 p.m. today at the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella, with the visitation to follow. Interment will be Tuesday in the Newton Memorial Park Cemetery.
Source: Newton Daily News; Monday, October 18, 2010

Additional information and photo from Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home website:
John Charles Baarda was the third of four sons that were born to John and Pansy Mae Smith Baarda. He was born on May 24, 1939, at Newton, Iowa. Charles, as he was always called, began his education in a one-room country school in Jasper County, Iowa. It continued for two years in a “special room” in Colfax, Iowa and he later attended a special program in Newton, which he called his “high school” years. Charles’ mother, a school teacher, taught him to read and write. Writing became a life-long passion for him and learning was instilled in him as well as his brothers by his father, John. Charles lived on a farm with his parents near Newton until they retired and moved into Pella, Iowa in 1975. Charles then became a client at the Christian Opportunity Center where he made many new friends. For many years he was in a supervised workshop and performed janitorial work there. Charles enjoyed reading, especially about history and real people. He played a chord organ for many years and always liked to sing in church. Charles was baptized as an infant and made public profession of his faith on May 18, 1980, at the Newton Christian Reformed Church in Newton, Iowa where his parents were charter members. At the present time he was a member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. Charles’ favorite place was anywhere where his family was present. He loved to travel to visit his brothers in different parts of the United States, and he did so independently. These visits included many historical sites from coast to coast, from north to south. In July of 2007, Charles became a resident in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center where he passed away early Saturday morning, October 16, 2010, at the age of 71 years. He was preceded in death by his father, John Baarda, in November of 1981 and his mother, Pansy Mae Baarda, in March of 1988. Charles’ memory is cherished by his three brothers and their wives: Dr. Isaac F. and Billye Baarda of Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. David G. and Elizabeth Baarda of Milledgeville, Georgia, Dr. James R. and Estellene Baarda of Burke, Virginia; six nieces: Maelene Ford, Cherylee Edgin, Rachelle Baarda, Jo Anna Fish, Beth Baarda, Laura Baarda; one nephew, Shayne Baarda; 6 great-nieces and great-nephews; and very special cousins, Lois and John Lanser of Pella, Iowa. Charles had been a member of the Cadets and the Smile Club. His wish was to be remembered as a good son and brother and as a person who worked and lived in the community of caring believers in Jesus Christ.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Christian Opportunity Center, 1553 Broadway Street,Pella, Iowa 50219