Brees, Charles E. (1915-2009)

BREES, HERDUIN, BEARY

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 14:08:15

Charles Eugene Brees was born March 15,1915 to Zelie Margret Herduin, a French immigrant, and Ocie Eugene Brees on a farm in Marion County. He was the oldest of five children. He passed away January 5, 2009, at the age of 93.

He joined the service in 1941 and served with the Thirty-Fourth Infantry Division. In World War II, this Division had the distinction of being not only the first American troops to land and serve in the European war, but also had more days in combat than any other division. The Thirty-Fourth Division is honored among the greatest fighting units that ever carried the Stars and Stripes into battle. He served as a sergeant in the Army. After receiving two purple hearts he was awarded an honorable discharge and returned home.

He was united in marriage to Cecelia Margaret Beary on October 14, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Weller and together they lived on a farm south of Knoxville where he began to fulfill his lifelong dream of farming. Charles loved the
freedom of the farm and he loved all animals. He liked working horses in the field and breaking colts to work and to ride. He farmed there with his wife for over thirty years.

Charles was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville and a member of the American Legion Post Number 0168.

Charles is survived by his son, Don Brees and daughter-in-law Kathy, West Des Moines, IA and his four grandchildren: granddaughters, Jennifer and Angela, New York City, New York, and grandsons, Michael and Daniel, St. Paul, MN.
Also surviving is his sister Francis (Marvin) Kain, Knoxville, and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Cecelia Brees, his parents Zelie and Ocie Brees, and his three brothers: James, Leo, and Richard Brees.

Burial: Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville, IA

Bertrand Funeral Homes 2009