Charles Deering
Charles I. Deering, 80, of Postville died Friday, January 27, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Postville. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 3 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville with the Rev. Lynn J. Noel as the Officiant. Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 2 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville and an hour before services at the church Friday.
Charles was born May 16, 1936 to Irving Charles and Leeone (Zieman) Deering on the home farm in rural Postville, where he resided for 65 years. He was baptized July 19, 1936 by Rev. R.B. Garten and confirmed April 2, 1950 by Rev. Frederick R. Ludwig.
Charles graduated from Postville High School in 1954, attended Iowa State University and then returned to the family farm. June 16, 1957 he was united in marriage to Carol Meyer at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rev. Charles E. Witt. To this union six children were born.
Charles was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville. Sports and music were a big part of Charles’ life. In high school he was active in football, basketball, baseball, track, FFA and vocal music. Achieving the Iowa Farmer Degree and having the honor of singing in the National FFA Choir were as much a highlight for him as being point guard on the first Postville basketball team to make it to the sub-state basketball tournament. After high school, he was an avid fan of the Postville Pirates, Iowa State Cyclones and the activities of his children and grandchildren. He loved being a fan and spectator as much as he had loved participating.
Charles and his brother, Robert, established Prairie Agri. Entp., Inc. in 1973. He maintained his love of farming and community by serving on the St. Paul Lutheran Church Council and numerous boards, including Citizens State Bank, Fayette County Fair, Prairie Feeder Pig, and many others.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; one son, Charles (Kimberly) of Postville; three daughters, Lori Deering of Postville, Stacy (Phillip) Tharp of Clive and Lisa (Shannon) Schultz of Teutopolis, IL; 12 grandchildren, Kelsie (Heath Dee) Deering, Morgan Deering, Whitney Deering, Tanner Deering, Lindsey (Nate Sherwood) Podzimek, Leah Podzimek, Elise Tharp, Chloe Tharp, Chase Schultz, Marshall Schultz, Zachary Schultz and Rourke Schultz; one brother, Robert (Sandra) Deering of Postville; two sisters, Ann (Richard) Schupbach of Brooklyn Center, MN and Jane (Roger) Kolarich of Decorah. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Craig Deering and Michael Deering.
Memorials may be given in Charles' memory to these Postville entities: Postville Area Ambulance, Postville Fire Department, Postville Good Samaritan Center, Postville Dollars for Scholars, Postville Library or St. Paul Lutheran Church.
The Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville is assisting the family with arrangements.
