Charles Bertlshofer

Charles Edward “Chuck” Bertlshofer, Jr., 82, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at his home in Fort Madison.

He was born on February 7, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Charles, Sr. and Mary (Cormick) Bertlshofer. On April 14, 1962, he married Karen Sue Randell at Sharon Presbyterian Church in rural Farmington, Iowa.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years: Karen; one son: Michael Charles (Angi) Bertlshofer of Galesburg, Illinois; one daughter: Tracy Lynn (Mike) Morrison of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren: Tyler Morrison, Haley (Tyler) Africa, Stephen Bertlshofer, Michael Bertlshofer, Kylee Bertlshofer, Bryan Bertlshofer; sisters: Carol (David) Faeth of Eldridge, Iowa, Judy (Ron) Hunsaker of Burlington, Iowa; brother: Edward Bertlshofer of Fort Madison, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Larry Reid of Burlington, Iowa and Aaron Burghoffer of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Joan Reid and Debbie Burghoffer.

Chuck was a graduate of Donnellson High School, where he lettered in track, baseball and basketball for four years. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He worked at Gleason Corporation for forty-four years, the last twenty-seven of which he was plant manager. Chuck was a member of the Sharon Presbyterian Church. He served on the Central Lee School Board for six years and was on the Fort Madison Community Hospital Board of Directors for twenty years. He coached little league baseball and YMCA girls grade school basketball. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, fishing and he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Family was of utmost importance to him. Chuck’s favorite motto was “Always give more than you take.”

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home with Pastor Katrina Bergman officiating.

Burial will be at Clay Grove Cemetery in rural West Point, Iowa.

A memorial has been established for the Donnellson Fire & Rescue.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.