Charles Ellison, Jr. of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at the age of 85 at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa.
Charles was born to Charles, Sr. and Mary Ellison on October 3, 1936, the oldest of ten siblings; 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, farmer, factory worker, and finally, farm implement dealership owner. Over the years, Charles enjoyed woodworking, creating many original pieces for his kids and grandkids, mushroom hunting, elk-hunting (never finding….just hunting) as well as hunting deer, squirrel, and other furred creatures. More recently, health issues kept him at home reading a book a day, with his faithful companion Canon on his lap.
Charles was united in marriage with Joan Habben on October 2, 1958. Together they had three children: Randy Ellison, who with his wife, Kelli, live in Donnellson, Iowa, Donnie Ellison, who with his wife Teri, live 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 soft spot for dogs. He was kind of grumpy, but we loved him and he loved all of us. He’ll be missed.
A visitation for Charles will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, with a private family graveside committal following.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to PAW Animal Shelter: 2031 48th Street, Fort Madison, Iowa 52627.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements.
