Charles Baumhover

Chuck was born in Dubuque, Iowa, the youngest of seven children, in 1928 at the start of the depression. He had many adventures growing up in Dubuque. As a young boy Chuck and his friends spent a lot of time on the Mississippi River swimming and fishing. During his teenage years he saved his money and took flying lessons, soloing at age 16.

Chuck had always had a great singing voice; throughout high school and in the years following was a member of a Barber Shop Quartet. Chuck joined the US Air Force during the Korean War. For most of his time in the service he was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. While home on a leave he met and married Diane Walsh. Following his discharge from the service the couple moved back to Des Moines, Iowa and raised their family of six children.

During his working years Chuck had a long and successful career in the insurance industry. He started with Blue Cross Blue Shield selling health insurance policies to Iowa farmers. He then transitioned to North Western Mutual where he spent many years selling life insurance. The last third of his career was spent as an agent for The Principal. During his lifetime in Des Moines Chuck has been very active in local politics.

Throughout his adult life Chuck enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid bird hunter, great cook and baker! He won many awards and Blue Ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. He taught his oldest granddaughter and his youngest son to bake bread and both won Blue Ribbons their first time out at the IA State Fair. He also enjoyed canoeing on Iowa’s many rivers. He was a great amateur photographer. Chuck also has a great love of music; opera and classical in particular. He once played a soldier in a local production of Verdi’s Aida in Indianola. Later in life, following retirement, he took up kayaking and biking. He is very proud of the fact that he kayaked up until he turned 80.

Following the death of his wife Diane, Chuck, then 63, retired. Over the next 15 years he traveled a great deal. During this time he taught himself to speak German and made many trips to Germany as well as the rest of Europe. In the time after the death of his wife Chuck has had a long term relationship with Toni Van Cleve. Toni has been a great comfort and support to Chuck in his later years since the death of his wife.

Chuck is survived by his children, Nanette (Randy) Buck, Lisa Baumhover, Cindy (Kevin) Eaton, Brian (Shelly) Baumhover, Matthew Baumhover and Charles (Dana) Baumhover, Jr.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and longtime companion, Toni Van Cleve.

The family will greet friends Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 862 Des Moines Iowa, 50304-0862.

**Please note the construction on SW 9th Street, there is still access to the funeral home from Kenyon off of SW 14th St. and SW 9th Street coming from the north. There is additional parking available in the north grassy lots off of Kenyon. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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