Freshour, Charles D.

Charles D. Freshour, 81, of Amana, ended his earthly journey and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 2, 2010. He died at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. He had faced major health problems for the past several months. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at Middle Amana Community Church, with Elder Kristie Yoder and Marty Schuhmacher officiating. Burial will be in Amana Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Middle Amana Community Church. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Dudley “Chuck” was born Jan. 14, 1929, on a farm in Iowa County, Iowa, the son of Elbert and Ella (Fry) Freshour. He graduated from Marengo High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army for three years. He attended the University of Iowa for a short time. He then served in the U.S. Air Force for 17 years. He was stationed in Japan, Turkey and Germany as well as several stateside bases. He was very proud to have served his country. When he retired from the military, Chuck went to work for Cherry Burrell in 1970 as an electrician, retiring in 1991.

On July 25, 1959, Chuck was united in marriage to Anne Marie Schuhmacher at the Amana Church in Amana, Iowa. They were blessed with two sons, Greg (Mary) of Urbandale and Gordon (Vanessa) of Marengo; a grandson, Mitchell; and two stepgrandchildren, Sara Waddell of San Diego, Calif., and Nick Waddell of Iowa City.

Chuck's gift of storytelling was legendary. To know Chuck was to be his friend. Chuck and Anne enjoyed traveling together. He also loved to read, garden and spend time with his family. Chuck was a member of the Amana Church Society and the Amana Heritage Society.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 51 years; his sons and their families, as well as many nieces and nephews, and a great many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mathel Schafbuch and Thelma Wolf; and two brothers, Chester and Herschel.

A special thank you to the Mercy Hospice Program, the 5th Floor nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center and Dr. D. Cowden and staff.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Camp Courageous, Hospice of Mercy, the Amana Church or the charity of the donor's choice.