Charles “Chuck” or “Charlie” LeRoy Etjen, 88

Charles “Chuck” or “Charlie” LeRoy Etjen, age 88, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of John and Lydia (Kettwig) Etjen on July 14, 1935, in Parkersburg. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1952. After graduation, Chuck worked for Central Road Construction on the road between Allison and Greene. Chuck enlisted into the United States Army in September of 1953 and was honorably discharged in August of 1955.  During this time, he served in Fulda, Germany.

On July 28, 1956, Chuck was united in marriage with Bernadette Veronica Radke at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elba, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Parkersburg. Chuck worked for Clay Equipment for ten years.  He then attended Chicago Technical College and after his graduation, Chuck worked at H & H as a tool & die maker.  He later worked at Black Hawk Engineering and finally at John Deere as a tool maker before retiring in 1995.

Since 1956, Chuck has been a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parkersburg. Chuck enjoyed collecting coins, woodworking, playing cards and cribbage. He loved fishing trips to Minnesota with his family and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. Later in life Chuck loved vacationing in Arizona and taking any trip with Mary. He was also a member of the Parkersburg American Legion and the Aplington AMVETS.

On Monday, March 11, 2024, Chuck passed away at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, of natural causes.  Chuck is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bernie (February 17, 2012); his parents, John and Lydia Etjen; sisters, Shirley Bergman, Mavis Neymeyer, and Lois Harken; and son-in-law, Dennis Hook.

Chuck is survived by a very dear friend, Mary Sullivan of Parkersburg; four daughters, Cindy Kannegieter, Suzie Hook, and Kelly Etjen of Parkersburg, and Nichole (Chad) Schipper of Aplington; grandchildren, Tara (Matt) Miller, Melissa (Pat) Miller, Jeremiah (Tanya) Hook, and Bailie (Reagan) Schipper & Jacob (Bre) Schipper; six great grandchildren, Laikyn (Silas) Barrett, Bodey (Sommer) Miller, Carley, Addison, & Hayden Hook, and Jace Miller; three siblings, Craig (Bonnie) Etjen of Parkersburg, Jim Etjen of Federal Way, Washington, and Connie (Scott) Simon of Parkersburg; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parkersburg, with Father Craig Steimel officiating. John Schwennen, Rick Nilles, and Mary Ann Bergman served as Eucharistic Ministers. Bailie Schipper served as Lector and Stan Thompson served as Cantor. Presentation of the Gifts were done by Addison Hook and Hayden Hook. Lyndsay Petersen was pianist, and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, and “Be Not Afraid”. Max Petersen and Jack Petersen served as Mass Servers. Burial was held in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Parkersburg with Jeremiah Hook, Jacob Schipper, Matt Miller, Pat Miller, Bodey Miller, Reagan Rieken, and Jace Miller serving as Casketbearers. Honorary Casketbearers were Tara Miller, Melissa Miller, Bailie Schipper, Laikyn Barrett, Silas Barrett, Carley Hook, Addison Hook, Tanya Hook, and Hayden Hook. Military Rites were conducted by the Parkersburg American Legion Post #285.

A visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Parkersburg Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com.