Charles C. Corwin

Charles C. Corwin, 76, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 surrounded by family and dear friends. A friend said it best, "he admired and appreciated people of all walks of life and set the example of what all of us hope our legacy will someday be." He devoted his life to service to others and touched many lives.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 23, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 24 at 11:00 am at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue in Des Moines.

Chuck was born May 31, 1941 to Charles McMillan Corwin and Carol Smith. He was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!). He enjoyed watching or listening to baseball, football and basketball, especially the Cubs, I-Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He sold life, health and disability insurance from the time he graduated from college until his retirement, more than 50 years. He obtained the designation of CLU. During his career he worked for Connecticut General Life Insurance, Business Insurance Programs, Chuck Corwin Insurance and The Bryton Companies. He had such strong people skills it was hard to travel anywhere without running into someone Chuck knew. He was a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the National and Iowa Health Underwriters. He was a sharp dresser with his colorful ties, bowties, and jackets. His glamorous flyaway silver hair on top his tall body could be spotted in a crowd.

Chuck lived life to the fullest – always searching for thrills and adventure surrounded by loving friends. There was no subject for which he didn’t have a joke, oftentimes groaners. Laughter of all forms and inspiration followed Chuck wherever he went. The gorilla mask, Chomp the gummy rat, and the flat cat were all family pranks. He always had a joke or a story at the tip of his tongue. His warm and welcoming smile lit up any room he walked into.

Bicycling was a passion for Chuck as evidenced by riding thirty RAGBRAIs with Team Wingtip. He was the organizer and housing procurer for the team and he never said no to a piece of pie! Another annual must-do tradition for Chuck was the Iowa State Fair. He enjoyed eating his way through the fair over many days, with the map of his favorite places to eat in his head. Family vacations were often planned around the newest roller coaster in the region. In addition, he had a soft spot for water parks! Younger Chuck was a competitive swimmer but even as recently as last summer you could find him soaking onlookers with his can openers off the diving board.

He was a selfless man and devoted much of his time to others. He was active in Northwest Rotary, the YMCA, AA, and Central Presbyterian Church. All these communities held an important place in Chuck’s heart and provided him with structure, support and life-long friends.

Chuck was a lover of music, an avid reader, and a curious learner. He could talk your ear off about history and genealogy. The internet kept him entertained with Amazon Prime and checking in on Facebook (even during church).

He was a role model for all who knew him but particularly for his children and grandchildren. He was a pillar of strength for all and was always able to provide sage and reflective advice without judgement. And when all else failed, he could always be counted on for a one-of-a-kind, comforting bear hug.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ellen; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Trautvetter and children, Nathan and Charlotte; daughter, Caryn (Angie Wright) Corwin and children, Cybelle, Delilah and Azul; son, Terry Mitchell and children, Madeline and Clare; son, Robert (Beatriz) Mitchell and children, Nicolas and Sofia; his brother, William (Marilyn) Corwin; brother-in-law, Robert (Marcia) Morris; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and son, Scott.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Iowa Lutheran Hospital or Central Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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