Charles Dean Haden

Charles was born on May 21, 1935 to Elbert Wayne and Iona DeVee (Brideson) Haden at the King's Daughter Hospital in Perry, IA. Charlie's early years in Panora laid the foundation for a life of hard work and continual learning. After graduating from high school in 1953, he attended Iowa State University for 2 years studying Ag Engineering and trained in the Army ROTC. On March 26, 1955 Charlie married his high school sweetheart Roxie May Smithson. Following their marriage, they moved to his father's farm near Menlo and their first child, Beth was born. Two years later they moved to the Prairie Center area where Charlie farmed together with Roxie's father.

In 1966 the family moved to the farm south of Panora and, at the urging of his father, Charlie took up backhoe work. He was a highly skilled operator who enjoyed the complex challenges he often encountered that required geometry, physics and a precise knowledge of both his and the machines capabilities. Charlie did extensive work for Northwestern Bell Telephone/US West while continuing to farm. The cow calf herd and road building in the timber brought him special pleasure. Charlie was always up for a challenge and he encountered many while installing septic systems at Lake Panorama and the surrounding area. In later years, he would often tell of specific jobs, in detail, whenever he was traveling by car in the local area with family or friends.

Faith was the guiding light of his life. Charlie was a lifelong follower of Christ. An ardent student of the Bible, he participated in and led countless Bible studies and taught Sunday School for many years.

Charlie approached life with a rare blend of warmth, wisdom, and wit. Family was a cornerstone of his life and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted caregiver to his loving bride to his last days. Each member of his family carries with them a legacy of Charlie's gentle guidance and profound love.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Roxie; two daughters, Beth (Marvin) Rasmussen of Jefferson, IA, and Lynelle (Norm) Diers of Ottumwa, IA , son Brian Haden, Panora, IA; grandchildren, Jarrod Diers, Jolyn Hartson, Micah Rasmussen, and Miriam Mendoza; great-grandchildren, Noah and Brianna Diers, Sophia, Xander, and Angel Diers, Mariah and Jordan Hartson, Isabella Mendoza, Ellyanna, Aliyah, and Fynneas Rasmussen and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Saundra Boots and Sharon Mattke; brother Melvin McCord; daughter Lori; son Greg; and grandson Jeremy Diers. 

Visitation will take place Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Panora. The celebration of life service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will take place after the service with procession to Pleasant Hill Cemetery at 1:00 p.m..

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all of the Hospice of the Midwest staff and nurse, Wes Zollman for their compassionate care.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.