Charles "Charlie" Cross

Charles “Charlie” Cross, 87, passed away September 5, 2023 at Arbor Springs-West Des Moines.

Charlie was born in Des Moines on December 26, 1935

He enjoyed hunting, golfing, skiing (having taught several grandkids to ski), pretty much any sport that was in season, and all things Hawkeyes.

Charlie graduated from Lincoln High School and went to the University of Iowa to participate in wrestling. That began his love and devotion for the rest of his life to the Black and Gold.

Charlie retired after a long career as a Des Moines Firefighter; when he wasn’t at the station, you could find Charlie with a hammer in his hand doing construction work. He was very proud of the house he built in the country north of Indianola.

Charlie was a long-time member of Park Avenue Christian Church, participating in the many men’s group activities and the choir.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Judy (Crouch) Cross; his parents, Clinton and Alice (Ersland) Cross; his middle son, Brian in infancy; and brother, Tom Cross.

Charlie is survived by his sons, Michael Cross and Steve Cross; grandson, Jake (Jenny) Cross; step-children, Lori Eggers, Jeff (Kim) Piper, Jim (Tania) Piper, and Jon (Susan Rogers) Piper; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenny (Darlene) Cross and Dave (Lisa) Cross; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.


Funeral services will be held at Park Avenue Christian Church, 3219 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation prior, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Des Moines, immediately following services. Everyone is encouraged, if they wish, to dress in their favorite Hawkeye apparel.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Charlie.

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