Charles Michael Bell

Charles Michael Bell, known lovingly as Charlie, passed away at the age of 75 on April 14, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his wife, children, and family. Charlie was born on June 1, 1949 to Violet (Stripe) and Robert Charles Bell in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on the East side of Des Moines, graduated from East High School and then attended Grandview College. Charlie married his childhood friend, Lisa Abbey in 1969. Although Charlie and Lisa later went their separate ways, they shared many years together raising their children and were united in their love and support for Abbie and Andrew.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s at 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 22 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link on the day of the service. click here.

Charlie’s remarkable journey began when he joined Hy-Vee at just 14 years old, working as a sacker and stocker at the Euclid Avenue store in Des Moines. From those humble beginnings, he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1976, he became the youngest store manager when he transferred to Mason City. His talent, work ethic, and people-first approach led him to roles as District Manager in Cherokee and then, in 1984, to the corporate office in Chariton. Charlie’s career culminated in his role as Executive Vice President, retiring in 2006 after a lifetime of dedication. He was deeply respected for his genuine kindness, unwavering drive for customer service, and his ability to lead with heart.

Charlie lived with constant energy — rarely walking when he could run. Whether running on gravel roads streets of Chariton, golfing on Friday nights, or spontaneously challenging someone to ping pong, he approached everything with joy and enthusiasm. Though fully committed to his career, Charlie was also a devoted father, never missing a game, meet, or match. He proudly supported Andrew’s and Abbie’s many athletic pursuits, especially their track and cross-country meets.

In the later years of his career, Charlie found renewed joy in his personal life. He married Linda in 2005, and together they brought new meaning to the word “adventure.” They spent 15 years between their home in Florida and their cabin in Minnesota, where they enjoyed golfing, fishing, and simply spending time in the yard together. Retirement was not a slowing down for Charlie—it was a season of deep enjoyment, travel, and time with the ones he loved.

After moving back to Des Moines in 2019, Charlie and Linda embraced the next chapter of life. They reconnected with old friends, made new ones, took daily walks with their dogs, and continued to explore the world. One of their greatest joys was planning annual family holiday trips — all 17 of them — delighting in surprising everyone with new destinations and making cherished memories.

His greatest joy in retirement was not in resting, but in dedicating himself fully as a husband, father and grandfather. He focused his time, love and knowledge on his family. Always present with a warm smile, solid advice and great story telling. His presence was a constant source of love, fun, joy and pride. Charlie will be remembered for his warmth, his boundless energy, and his ever-positive outlook on life. His legacy lives on through those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Linda Bell; his daughter, Abbie (Chris) Davidson; his son, Andrew (Stefanie) Bell; and Linda’s children, Matt (Lisa) Tierney and Sam (Kimberly) Tierney. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Estee Davidson (21), Finn Davidson (18), Alex Tierney (16), twins Sean and Will Tierney (14), Asher Bell (13), and Mason Bell (10). He is also survived by his brother, Vaughn (Carolyn) Bell; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his four-legged companion, Louie.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis Bell, and his devoted dogs, Lucy and Baxter.

Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to projects within Lutheran Church of Hope.

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