Charles J. "Chuck" Seel

On March 23, 2025 Chuck passed away at the age of 79. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to C. Ray Seel and Colleen (Mulhern) Seel. He grew up in the Kansas City area graduating from Shawnee Mission North High School and Kansas City Kansas Community College. Chuck graduated from Kansas State University with a BA in Liberal Arts - Mass Communications in 1968.

During a 12-year career in broadcasting, Chuck held progressively higher positions at radio and television stations in Kansas and Texas before coming to be News Director at KRNT AM and FM in Des Moines. He was also a founding officer of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.

Chuck moved to a position in public relations with then Iowa Power and Light Company in 1980. During 16 years in the utility business, Chuck held progressively higher positions including manager of Corporate Communications and manager of Customer Service. During this time, he also earned the APR professional accreditation recognition of the Public Relations Society and was active in the Central Iowa Chapter of PRSA.

After 16 years in the utility business, he became a vice president of the former Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

He went on to a position with the Iowa Utilities Board as manager of customer service and public information for 13 years retiring in 2011. He also served as liaison between the IUB and the state emergency management department.

While his sons were growing up in Urbandale, Chuck helped coach youth soccer and served more than 10 years in adult leadership positions with Cub Scout Pack 96 and Boy Scout Troop 96. During his time working with Scouting, Chuck served terms as District Chairman and on the Mid-Iowa Council board, as a regional BSA camp inspector, and a leadership position with a troop participating in the 1988 BSA National Jamboree.

Chuck served as president of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and as Communications Vice President and Board member of the United Way of Central Iowa.

Chuck was active in several Episcopal churches, serving as Warden, Vestry member and more than a combined 15 years as treasurer of two different parishes. He and Nancy are members of St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy, and their sons John (Cody) of Austin, Texas, and Brian (Megan) and two grandchildren, Annabelle and Evan of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and only sibling, Barbara (Seel) Consigli.

A private service will be held. The family suggests memorials to St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.