Charles Vandemark

Charles Francis Vandemark was born December 11, 1931, to Hoyt and Marie (Trimpe) Vandemark in Shelby County, Iowa. He grew up in the Manteno area east of Dunlap. Charlie attended Rabbit Hollow Country School. When he was 12 years old, Charlie was burned severely while burning cornstalks, and he was treated and hospitalized for over one year. The family moved to the Woodbine area and attended country school and high school. Charlie worked for Tom Arkfeld operating a road grader ~ building terraces. He then drove a truck for Carl Siebels and Bud Waite. He also worked at Champlin Gas Station and he then purchased this station. In 1958 he sold the station to Doak Walker. On March 28, 1958, Charlie married Grace Higgins in Humbolt, Iowa. He began working for Farm Bureau Service Company in Logan and for 30 years he drove the tank wagon delivering fuel to all of Harrison County. Charlie developed many friendships and he was known as "Charlie the Gas Man." He took care of the children as well by always providing a piece of gum. Charlie retired on August 1, 1988.
Charlie attended and participated at the Logan Methodist Church. He enjoyed music in his home and all of the music programs. He was active in 4-H and other youth activities. Charlie enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and wildlife watching. He took great pride and pleasure in his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren ~ especially bear hunting in the pine trees at night, family picnics and family reunions. Charlie had a wonderful sense of humor. He was very proud of the accomplishments of all of his children, grandchildren ~ especially of Russell serving in the Army. Charlie loved people and he was very good at imitating people as well. He encouraged the individual interests of all of his family.
Charlie died on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, attaining the age of 74 years and one month.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Grace Vandemark of Logan, Iowa three children, Mark and his wife Dinah of Logan, Iowa, Marsha and her husband Dave Burmeister of Logan, Iowa, Jill Shannan of Gilbert, Iowa; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; one great granddaughter; three brothers, Freeman Vandemark and his wife Iva of Woodbine, Iowa, Tommy Vandemark and his wife Donna of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Lawrence Vandemark and his wife Karolyn of Woodbine, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services
United Methodist Church ~ Woodbine, Iowa
Saturday, January 14, 2006, at 11:00 am

Clergy
Rev. Shurmaine McAlpine

Musician
Barb Sherer

Soloist
David Dickinson

Selections
"In the Garden"
"Mansions over the Hilltop"
"How Great Thou Art"

Color Guard honoring Mr. Blossom by Clown Friends

Pall Bearers
Randy Vandemark, Danny Vandemark
Jimmy Vandemark, Lloyd Vandemark,
Doug Rosengren, Todd Cohrs

Final Resting Place
Harris Grove Cemetery
Rural Logan, Iowa