Charles Hall
Charles Thomas Hall, 64, of Waukon stepped into heaven Good Friday morning, March 30, 2018 from his home near Waukon. Charlie’s courage matched the intensity of his foe, pancreatic cancer, even to the end. A visitation will be held Thursday, April 5 from 4-7 p.m., with a prayer service and sharing time at 6:30 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon. The funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 6 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Waukon at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, rural Waukon.
Charles was born in Waukon May 28, 1953 to parents Kenneth and Mildred (Burke) Hall. He graduated in 1971 from Waukon High School, where he was an All-State musician and honor student, and attended Iowa State University. His 34-year career as an air traffic controller and automation specialist grew out of his love for all things flight- and technology-related. Charlie excelled at the rigorous FAA training and served in Omaha, Denver and Minneapolis. He was instrumental in specializing and tailoring the computer systems critical to our nation’s air traffic control network.
Prior to joining the Federal Aviation Administration, Charlie was a firefighter and paramedic in Cedar Rapids. He also worked on several Allamakee County farms, delivered oil in Waterloo, and harvested wheat in the Great Plains. Charlie was a member of Mensa and a licensed pilot.
A shared appreciation of Irish music and heritage brought together Charlie and his love, Susan Tierney of Omaha, NE. They were married November 25, 1992. Charlie had many varied interests. He was an enthusiastic bicyclist, veteran RAGBRAI finisher and Tour de France follower; a fearless chef and accomplished woodworker; a discerning photographer; an intrepid outdoorsman of all stripes; and an avid reader. He and Susie enjoyed hiking the mountainous Colorado terrain and summited Longs Peak in 2001. Recently, they designed their own home located on the century family farm near Waukon.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; their children, Kelly (Darrel) Reichenberg and Nathan (Christa) Sander; and their grandchildren, Max and Carter Reichenberg and Keira and Isla Sander. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann (Mark) Henthorn, Karen (Warren) Varley and Susan (Daniel) Cahoon; his sisters-in-law, Kathy Cannon and Maureen (Steve) Olsen; a brother-in-law, Thomas (Susan) Tierney; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved herd of cats. He will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be directed to St Patrick Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
