Charles "Chuck" Mettler

Charles “Chuck” Mettler, 72, passed away Friday, October 16, 2015 at Kavanagh on 56th Street from complications of kidney disease. Memorial services will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. The family will greet friends for visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.


Chuck was born January 29, 1943 in Des Moines to William and Dorothy (Stranahan) Mettler. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961, he was accepted at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Upon returning to Des Moines, Chuck started his art career at LOOK Magazine as a graphic designer, moving on later to Fairall Advertising Agency. He was also art director at Iowa Public Broadcasting. He and two partners later formed Energy Graphics Advertising. Chuck was also advertising manager for Emco Industries in Des Moines. He retired in 2008 from Designed Images, Inc.

Chuck enjoyed all forms of art including painting, graphic design, jewelry design, ceramics and sculpture, an area in which he excelled. In later years Chuck was a volunteer with the Southwest 9th Merchants Association and the Watrous South Neighborhood Association. In 2011, he received the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce “Volunteer of the Year Award”. Chuck was instrumental and the driving force in the creation of the South Des Moines Sculpture Park, followed a year later with establishing the annual South Des Moines Art Festival held at the Sculpture Park. He also helped create the Street Banner Program each summer on Southwest 9th Street which promotes business and places of interest on the south side. Chuck was an active member of the Lincoln High Alumni Association. In 2013 he was inducted into the Lincoln High Hall of Fame. He was also a lifelong member of the Des Moines Art Center.

Chuck is survived by his son, Tim Mettler; daughter, Tracy (Paul) Mumma; grandchildren, Jack Mettler, Matthew Mettler, Carly Mumma and Luke Mumma; his nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lincoln High Alumni Association or the Des Moines Art Center.

On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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