Charles Greenwood Obituary

Charles R. Greenwood, son of James and Sadie Greenwood, was born the youngest of four children on March 16, 1915 in Lincoln County, Kansas. He attended school in Lincoln County, graduating from Beverly High School in 1934.

After baptism and confirmation into the Lutheran Church on June 6, 1937, Charles married his first love Isabelle, daughter of Herbert and Louise Schnieder of Lincoln, Kansas that same day. From farming to flour milling in Salina, Kansas, Charles was transferred to Inland Mill in Des Moines in 1947 where he served as the plant superintendent for many years. Charles was a long time active and encouraging member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Des Moines, serving in numerous positions in the church.

Subsequently transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a plant superintendent for six years before retiring from Archer Daniel Midlands in 1981. After retirement, he returned to Des Moines where he became active as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Moines. He was also the longest participating member of the "Fiddlers Association of Iowa," playing at the Iowa State Fair and many other locations. He also enjoyed playing his violin in Mesa, Arizona with a variety of bands that entertained people up and down the valley. Many may recall the ministry of music that he helped bring to nursing home residents throughout the area with the Fiesta Four music group. Also, he with his violin and wife Isabelle, with flowers, would stop by to share the old time fiddle music he loved with people who were ill. He also enjoyed collecting old violins and equally enjoyed talking to everyone at antique shows and garage sales as he looked for them.

After the passing of his wife Isabelle, Charles married Phyllis Behnke in 1997. They have been active and involved members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. During this time they also enjoyed their participation in the "Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines." Charles and Phyllis shared many happy travel experiences together during his golden years.

His family remembers Charles as a devoted husband and wonderful father, a man that enjoyed the company of people and sought to help others. He loved old violins and gave freely of his time and musical gifts to bring joy to others. Born humbly, he lived richly in the spirit of his Lord and Saviour and died peacefully on May 11, 2005. He enriched our lives.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two sons, Gary and wife Unsun of Northbrook, IL, Stan and wife Diane of Des Moines; two grandsons, John and wife Rosa of Wheeling, IL, Mark and wife Teresa of Bozeman, MT; great-grandchildren, Julia and William; stepson, Philip Behnke and wife Hayden of Denver, CO; stepdaughter, Carol Jackson and husband Doug of Clive, IA; and step-grandchildren, Quinn, Drew and Meredith.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2005 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 Aurora, Urbandale, IA with burial at Chapel Hill Gardens-Merle Hay. Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2005 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA.

Memorials may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Des Moines; Trinity Lutheran Church, Des Moines; Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale; Kavanagh Hospice House, West Des Moines; or WDM EMS Association.

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