Charles William Newell Jr.

MASON CITY ? Charles William Newell Jr., 85 of Mason City died Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue with Rev. Jim Stiles of First United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at Major Erickson Funeral. Masonic services by the Benevolence Lodge will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Charles will be interred in Elmwood ? St. Joseph Cemetery. Charles was born on March 23, 1920 and raised in Mason City. His parents were Charles and Norma Newell. He attended Mason City Schools. Charles was united in marriage to Buena Grace Bogardus on August 17, 1941 and two children were born, a daughter, Norma Jean (James) Hallman of Mason City and a son, Raymond Robert (Joan) Newell of Columbia, TN. He served three years in the U.S. horse cavalry, attaining the rank of corporal. During World War II he served in the Iowa State guard as sergeant, then in the 17th Airborne as platoon sergeant. After the war, he served six years as first sergeant of the local National Guard Unit. Upon returning from the service, he worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a switchman, then transferred to engine service. His father-in-law, Raymond R. Bogardus, brought him into his engineering practice where he studied civil engineering. Then Charles went to work for the City of Mason City reaching the position of assistant city engineer. He worked for the city for over 35 years, retiring in 1982. He headed all local Masonic lodges, was a 50-year member of the Benevolence Lodge #145; Mason City Council #45; Order of Easter Star (unity chapter); White Shrine of Jerusalem #6; and Antioch Commandery #43. He was past commander in the Amvets, past president of High Twelve, past member of Civil Engineers Association, past Rainbow Dad for his granddaughters, past DeMolay dad for his grandson, past member of the Order of Rainbow Grand Cross, former American Legion Member, past president of the local AARP chapter, and past president of the Manor Association. He served on many local boards of Masonic activities and was a Shriner. Charles was also a member of First United Methodist Church of Mason City. Charles had many hobbies but gardening, reading, boating and computer programming were his most favorite. He was preceded in death by his wife on October 9, 2003, his parents, three brothers and one sister. Charles is survived by his children; 5 grandchildren: Steve (Beverly) Hallman of Atlantic, IA, Dawn (Phil) Warnhoff of Marshalltown, IA, Michelle (Keith) Derryberry of Memphis, TN, Joshua Newell of Burbank, CA, and Nathan (Linda) Newell of Murrieta, CA, four step grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two great great granddaughters. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Charles Newell memorial fund in care of the family at 4 Third Street NW #429, Mason City, Iowa 50401.

Visitation:
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue on November 2, 2005 (map/driving directions) 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue on November 1, 2005 (map/driving directions)

Service:
11:00 AM at 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue on November 3, 2005 (map/driving directions)