Charles I. Bartlett

Charles Ivan Bartlett, age 73, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

Charlie was born January 24, 1947 in San Diego, California to Roger and Lila (Hall) Bartlett. As a young boy, he spent many summers water skiing and fishing on the lakes in Minnesota. He grew up in the Des Moines area and was a school teacher for Merrill Junior High and Carlisle High School, teaching shop and industrial arts courses. He then went on to be the Director of Admissions for the Iowa State Fair from 1991 to 2002, when he retired.

Charlie’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a supportive and loving husband and father and he adored his grandchildren above all else. He loved watching them in their sports and extracurricular activities.

He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, primarily deer and duck, in southwest Iowa. He loved tending his acreage and could often be found mowing, landscaping, or gardening. He enjoyed watching the wildlife that would frequent the property.

Charlie was a talented woodworker and a b-b-q master. He made many friendships and memories taking part in the competitive b-b-q team, the Hawg-o-holics. He was well-liked and often enjoyed trying to solve the world’s problems with his neighbors, often with a cold drink in hand. He was always willing to lend a helpful hand and share his infinite knowledge. Charlie was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching college football and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue; son, Brad Bartlett (Bree); and grandchildren, Chase (17), Luke (13), and Alyssa (13). He is also survived by his mother, Lila; sister, Linda Lundholm (Steve); sister-in-law, Sherry Meek; nieces and nephews, Leah Caffrey, Scott Lundholm, Ryan Lundholm, Missy Fleck, and Miranda Meek; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Roger.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 also at Hamilton’s with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation in loving memory of Charlie.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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