Obituary of Charles Joseph Maiers

HOLY CROSS, IOWA Charles J. Maiers, 90, of Dubuque and formerly of Holy Cross, Iowa died Thursday, August 22, 2013 at home. Friends may call from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2013, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where the American Legion Post 636 will gather at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Jose Comparan will officiate. American Legion Post 6326 and V.F.W. Post 7736 will accord military honors. Charlie was born March 18, 1923 in Holy Cross, Iowa the son of John and Rose (Ungs) Maiers. He graduated from Loras Academy with the Class of 1941. He enlisted in the Navy and served during WWII in the South Pacific for almost 4 years. Upon his return he married Celestine "Cele" Cook on November 26, 1946 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Buena Vista, Iowa. Charlie and his brother, Jim, assumed their father's family business, Maiers Implement and Hardware in Holy Cross and operated it until retirement in 1985. He served on the Holy Cross City and Parish Councils, and on the Board of Directors at Farley State Bank. In 1999 he was named the Holy Cross Citizen of the Year. Following retirement, Charlie and Cele were proud to be Winter Texans for 18 years. He enjoyed many hours woodworking, manicuring his yard, golfing and entertaining family and friends. In 2011, Charlie proudly participated in the Dubuque Area Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He referred to this experience as one of the highlights of his life. As a Veteran, the American flag held special meaning to him and was always in sight wherever he resided. He enjoyed lifelong memberships in the Sherrman-Peterson American Legion Post 636 and the Edward Lake V.F.W. Post 7736. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Cele, 5 children: John (Sybil) of Atlanta, GA, Jane (Stan) Gassmann of Dubuque, Peggy Driscoll (Bob Hoffman) of Dubuque, JoAnn (Jay) Hepner of Cedar Rapids, Lynn (Allen) Jaeger of Waunakee, WI: 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.; 3 siblings: Rosemary (John) Lane of Rockville, MD, James (Mary) Maiers of Holy Cross, and Sr. Alice Maiers of Cedar Rapids, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters-in-law, and 2 nephews. Memorials are preferred to the Dubuque Area Honor Flight or Hospice of Dubuque.