Obituary of Charles Wolthuizen

Charles Edward Wolthuizen, the son of John and Ruth (Campbell) Wolthuizen, was born in Sheldon, IA on September 12, 1942. He lived his youth on the family farm between Archer and Sheldon and received his education at the Archer School System. He was united in marriage to Lavonne (Lode) on December 4, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Sheldon. Their married lifetime has been spent in Sheldon area where they have resided on an acreage and raised their six children. Chuck was engaged in the construction business and raising livestock. Lavonne was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother. Charles died at Sanford Sheldon Senior Care Center on August 12, 2012. Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Jeff and Lisa Wolthuizen of Akron, IA, Jerry and Kim Wolthuizen, Jeana and Jeff Wollmuth, Julie and Greg Kavanagh, Joni and Mike Davis, all of Sheldon, IA, Jason and Sara Wolthuizen of Sioux Falls, SD; his beloved grandchildren: Jesa, Ben, John, and Christian Wolthuizen; Cassie (and fiance’ Jon Heiliger), Michael, and Devin Wolthuizen; Jocie, Justine, Jessica, and Jeremy Wollmuth; Alyssa, Austin, Alex, Addisyn, and Aiden Kavanagh; Michael and Brianna Davis; Wyatt and Lauren Wolthuizen; six sisters and their husbands: Evelyn and Arlan Boone, Carolyn and John Meyer both of Sheldon, IA, Linda and Jim DeRoos of Waukee, IA, Mary Lennon of Papillion, NE, Connie and Don Mehesen of Alexandria, MN, Betty and Paul Begley of Wilton, IA; sister-in-law: Donna Snyder of Spencer, IA; brother-in-laws and their wives: Delmer and Darlene Lode of Sanborn, IA and Marlin and Sherry Lode of Cherokee, IA and sister-in-law: Cathy Lode of ; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lavonne of 41 years, his parents John and Ruth (Campbell) Wolthuizen, brother Edwin Wolthuizen; Father-in-law, Werner Lode, Mother-in-law, Beula (Buren) Lode, Step-Mother-in-law, Allie (VanBruggen) Lode, brother-in-law, Calvin Lode, and nephew, Mark Lode. Charles was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sheldon, IA. Chuck enjoyed a good evening of fishing, whether a longer trip to Lynn Grove or a short trip to nearby river. He loved bringing his catch home to the family and making a special meal of it. He appreciated a good day’s work, and will be remembered for the hours of dedication to the family farm and the variety of animals he cared for. Chuck also enjoyed the art of salvage and antiques. He looked forward to his many trips to Shine Brothers in Spencer, and we all looked forward to when it was our turn to ride along. Chuck saw goodness in the simple things in life; family, home, and the farm. He was known by many in the community. He appreciated a good cup of coffee and conversation with his many friends. In his later years he enjoyed keeping up with the grandchildren and their sports and activities. He especially looked forward to their football games and would drive miles to see them play. Chuck had a talent for construction work. He had a sharp eye for detail and enjoyed working along side his sons as they followed in the construction field. He will be remembered most for his strength and perseverance to make the most out of each of life’s challenges. The Lord blessed all of us by having Chuck as part of our lives. In loving memory of Charles E. Wolthuizen Born ~ September 12, 1942 Died ~ August 12, 2012 Age ~ 69 years 11 months Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2012 First Reformed Church Sheldon, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. David Brower Organist ~ Paula Van Aalsburg Processional ~ “In The Garden” “How Great Thou Art” Recessional ~ “I’d Rather Have Jesus” Pall Bearers Jeff Wolthuizen Jerry Wolthuizen Jeana Wollmuth Julie Kavanagh Joni Davis Jason Wolthuizen Ushers Arlan & Jane Lode Interment East Lawn Cemetery Sheldon, Iowa