Charles Naaktgeboren

CHARLES "LEE" NAAKTGEBOREN

Cedar Rapids

On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, Charles "Lee" Naaktgeboren passed away stoically with his family by his side.

He leaves behind a legacy that will continue on through his family, friends and through so many lives in which he influenced and crossed paths. As Lee always said, "Do what you always did, get what you always got." He spent his life giving, doing and always placing others before himself.

Lee's life was his family and work. With his wife, Joyce, he owned and operated The Waterworks in Fairfax since 1986. His ingenuity led him to be awarded a patent for inventing the Iron Ox Filter.

When he was not at work running "The Waterworks," he could be found at the Marion Airport flying his airplane and helping with any and every project.

As his oldest grandson, Spencer Lee Zielke, said, "my grandfather beat cancer by fighting harder than anyone else could ever have, by living longer than anyone ever expected in order to love more than anybody could have ever dreamt was possible."

As his granddaughter, Kalie Sue Zielke, said, "he is not only my grandpa, but he is my best friend, my world and my rock. He has taught me everything I know and made me the person I am by always believing in me and encouraging me. He is the greatest grandpa I could have ever asked for."

As his youngest grandson, Chase Michael Zielke, said, "he had a tough appearance, but everyone who knew him knew that on the inside he was the most loving, caring, and giving person I will ever know."

Lee is survived by his wife, Joyce; two daughters, Tina (Bob) Brooker and Chris (John) Zielke; three grandchildren, Spencer, Kalie and Chase Zielke; and mother, Dona Naaktgeboren, all of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Rick (Diane) Naaktgeboren of Anamosa and Gene (Nora) Naaktgeboren of Marquette Heights, Ill.; sister, Sue Horner (Rob Wilkening) of Waukee; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eamand, and his grandparents.

Charles Lee was born March 9, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Eamand and Dona Faulkner Naaktgeboren. He married Joyce Jirouch on Sept. 21, 1968, in Cedar Rapids.

Per Lee's request he will be cremated and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Marion Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee's name to either The Hawkeye Area Council Boy Scouts of America or the Ghosh Foundation.

Lee's family would like to thank all of his friends, family and everyone in Dr. Ghosh's office for tolerating his stubborn humor with lightheart-edness and caring and for supporting him to fight his battle his way.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneral home.com.