Charles Sinclair

Charles “Chuck” Rex Sinclair, 85, of Norwalk, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 9, 1940, in Melrose, Iowa, Chuck was the son of Robert and Ruby Sinclair. His family moved to Des Moines in 1949. Chuck met his future wife, Patricia Ruth Wilcox, on his birthday in 1960. He told his brother he was “going to marry that girl,” and just six months later, on August 20, 1960, they were married at St. Ambrose Cathedral.

A passionate golfer, Chuck loved playing golf, watching golf, talking about golf, reading about golf, and practicing his golf grip whenever possible. He and his brothers, Robert 'Ole' and Bernard, had the honor of being the first to tee off when Blank Park Golf Course opened on May 15, 1971. Over the years, Chuck racked up numerous golfing achievements, including three holes-in-one, multiple Melrose and Ole Open team victories, six consecutive birdies during a round of golf at Blank, several closest-to-the-pin, and longest drive awards at tournaments. He claimed the title of Des Moines Senior Open Champion in 2005, both in the overall competition and in the 60-69 age group.

Chuck also enjoyed visiting thrift stores, often searching for golf-related items or anything else that caught his eye. If you needed something, he was likely to have it in his garage or would set out to find it for you.

Affectionately known as the "baby whisperer", he took immense pride in being a grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. "Papa" was always prepared with gum, Tootsie Roll Pops, or hard candy in his coat pocket. When in good health, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. He instilled in his family a profound love for Notre Dame and a deep pride in his Melrose roots.

Chuck was a proud member of Iron Workers Local 67, retiring in May 2000 after 36 years of dedicated service, during which he worked for Newman, Knudson, and Breiholz Construction. He often reminisced about his time on the job, sharing stories of “walking the iron” without a safety harness—long before modern safety standards were implemented. Some of his proudest achievements were being part of the erection crew on the Financial Center and Ruan buildings in downtown Des Moines.

Chuck is survived by his five children: Christina (John) Stroud, Charles (Cathy) Sinclair, Cynthia Sinclair, John (Stephanie) Sinclair, and Jacquelyn (Matt) Dewater; 15 grandchildren: Megan (Jon) Schultz, Eric (Chase) Stroud, Ashley Sinclair, Amber (Joe) Tauke, Alexus Sinclair, Augusta (Nick) Barrett, Brandon (Lindsay) Stratton, Lyndsey (Troy) Fick, Chad Sinclair, Amelia, Lainey, and Addie Sinclair, Lauren, Eli, and Mallory Mae Dewater; 9 great-grandchildren: Isla and Everly Schultz, Layla Bain, Oliver and Jackson Tauke, Lucy and Charlie Stratton, Ella Ruby and Camden Fick; sisters: Eileen (Francis) Miller, Charlene (Tom) McCrory, Melody (Dave) Freeman, and Wanda (Max) Olson; and brothers: Gary (Karen) Sinclair, Tom Sinclair, Mike (Janet) Sinclair, Benny 'Dog' Sinclair, and Rodney Sinclair.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 57 years, Patricia Sinclair; his parents, Robert and Ruby Sinclair; and his siblings: Roberta Sinclair, Thelma Engler, Mary Shehan, Gertrude Clemons, Delores Yecke, Shirley Carr, Jackie Curry, Joe Sinclair, Robert 'Butch' Sinclair, Bernard Sinclair, James Sinclair, Robert 'Ole' Sinclair, Morris Sinclair, Arthur Sinclair, and Archie Sinclair.

A visitation will be held at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary service at 7:30 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Following the interment, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at Christ the King Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa, or to the family, who will direct the funds to a charity of their choosing.

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