Charles Ellison, Jr. of Donnellson passed away at the age of 85 at 8:35 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.
Charles was born to Charles, Sr. and Mary Ellison on October 3, 1936, the oldest of 10 children, Barbara, Richard, Mary Lou, Michael (deceased), Pat, Kathy, Cheryl, Janice, and Steve.
After attending Donnellson and Keokuk area schools, Charles entered the workforce doing a variety of jobs. He was a welder, a farmer, a factory worker, and eventually the owner of a farm implement dealership.
Over the years, Charles enjoyed woodworking, creating many original pieces for his children and grandchildren, mushroom hunting, elk hunting (he never found them…he just hunted), as well as deer hunting, squirrels and other furry creatures. More recently, health problems kept him at home reading a book a day, with his faithful companion, Canon, on his lap.
Charles was married to Joan Habben on October 2, 1958. Together they had three children, Randy Ellison, who with his wife, Kelli, lives in Donnellson; Donnie Ellison, who with his wife Teri lives in West Chester, Iowa; and Dona Tuel, who with her husband, Jim, live in Bayard, Iowa. He became Grandpa Charlie to Amanda (deceased), Michelle, Emily, Joshua, Justin, and Nicholas and Great Grandpa Charlie to Sawyer, Millie, William, Zoey , Walker, Brooks, Ava and Breanna.
He was a man of few words with a weakness for dogs. He was a bit grumpy, but we loved him and he loved all of us. He will be missed.
Visitation for Charles will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, followed by a private family graveside burial.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to PAW Animal Shelter: 2031 48th Street, Fort Madison, Iowa 52627.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is helping the family with arrangements.