Charles Montross

CHARLES L. MONTROSS

Deep River

Charles L. Montross, 81, of Deep River, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at Waterman Hospital, Tavares, Fla.

Charlie was born Sept. 8, 1935, on the family farm west of Millersburg, Iowa, the oldest son of Hubert and Blanche (Gerard) Montross. After graduating from Millersburg High School with the class of 1953, he began farming with his family. On June 27, 1959, he married Mary Ellen Cash at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa. Together they started the Montross Bin Co.

Charlie enjoyed not only farming and the construction business, but he especially enjoyed meeting many people who became lifetime friends. He never knew a stranger.

A highlight of his life was his venture into public service. It gave him the opportunity to share his thoughts with others, serving 12 years as an Iowa County supervisor. He and Mary Ellen also loved to travel, covering more than 20 countries over the years, but his roots were firmly planted in Iowa County. Losing his vision did not stop him from traveling, and he spent many years with family and friends in Florida as "snow birds" and enjoying live music in the "Villages." Charlie lived for his grandchildren, attending every event from preschool to college graduations.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of 57 years; his children, Carolyn (John) Frazier, Vinton, Dianne (Mike) Horn, Marshalltown, and David (Lea) Montross, Williamsburg; his sisters and brother, Jeanette Bender, James (Gloria) Montross, Texas, sister, Phyllis Gorsh; sister-in-law, Linda Montross, Iowa; brother-in-law, David Slotwinski, Florida; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Travis) Menury, Alex (Liz) Frazier, Stephanie and Samantha Horn and Katie, Wyatt and Mackenzie Montross; great-grandson, Michael Horn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Charles; parents, Hubert and Blanche; in-laws William (Bill) and Mary Ellen Cash; sister, Linda Slotwinski; brother, Keith; and his brothers-in-law, Jim Cash, Joe Bender and Donnie Gorsch.

A Celebration of Life funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, North English. Fr. David Wilkening will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Williamsburg. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home, North English.

A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.