Charles J. Pardekooper
August 09, 2018
Charles Junior Pardekooper was born October 22, 1923, in Linden, Iowa to Charles and Ulva (Borst) Pardekooper. He passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown at the age of 94.
He is survived by his daughter, Judith Sanders (Ron), son, James Pardekooper (Patricia), grandchildren, Aaron, Ronnell, Roxanne and Pamela, great-grandchildren, Cory, Lucas, Jacob, Sean, Ian and Laura, and one great-great-grandson, Redman.
Charles was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1942-45, as a diesel engine mechanic aboard a sea going minesweeper. Charles worked at Meredith as a pressman and went on to own Des Moines Printing. He was also a printing instructor for DMACC for 25 years. He devoted much of his life to the Boy Scouts. He and his brother, Howard were Scouts with Troop 2. He later became Troop 2’s Scout Master in the early 1950s and went on to become a Boy Scout Instructor for the Wood Badge Leader Training Program. Charles was a member of the VFW, Daylight Masonic Lodge #660, and the Shrine where he served as a greeter. He was a Master Gardener and volunteered as a gardener for the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. He also enjoyed piloting his airplane, and spending time with his family and dogs.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Esty) Pardekooper, his parents, Charles and Ulva Pardekooper, and his grandson, Dennis.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral service with military honors at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 17, 2018, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Charles will be laid to rest at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Charles.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jon Robinson
08/17/2018
When I was a child growing up on the east side, I had a friend, Tom, who was living a life of many challenges. My family moved, and I didn't see Tom again until my DMACC days where Charlie and I worked together. Charlie took Tom, challenges and all, and turned him into a pressman who became gainfully employed, got married, had children, and lived a full life.I remember that with a sense of reverence. Charlie is a bright spot in my life as I'm sure he is for many.
Karna Fowler Leonard
08/13/2018
Jim and Family, sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. He and your mom were wonderful neighbors to my mom and sister. Prayers and hugs for all of you.
Deanna Warren
08/12/2018
One of the best neighbors I ever had. So sorry to hear of his passing, he was a good man.
Carolyn Danielson
08/12/2018
Charles was a gentle soul. I have missed him in the neighborhood. May he rest in peace.