Obituary

Charles Claude Blanchard Jr. passed away on January 16, 2023, in the comfort of his home, in his favorite recliner with his 4 sons and family by his side. Charles was born in Madrid, Iowa on February 2, 1929, to Charles Claude Blanchard and Mary “Molly” (Slaten) Blanchard. They settled in Adel, Iowa.

Charles was affectionately known as Toad, Doc, Catfish Charlie, C. C. and of course dad, Grandpa, Claude and Charlie.

Dad served in the US Army Air Guard, attended college, was a coal miner, an inductee into the Iowa Miners Hall of Fame, and managed a multi-state financial company where he was known as Doc. He excelled at all sports and can be found in the Adel High School athletics records. His biggest accomplishment was being a great man. He led by example.

Dad first saw mom as she got off the bus in high school. City boy dad was immediately smitten by the new girl at school from the country. They married in 1948. They lived in Omaha, NE and Denver, CO before moving to West Des Moines in the 70’s.

Catfish Charlie could catch fish when others couldn’t even get a bite. He taught his 4 boys everything about fishing and hunting and especially the love of the great outdoors. All our vacations were centered around the outdoors. As it happened, 4 boys fit pretty good in the back of our station wagon and the wheel wells in the back made for a great headrest. He also taught all of us the importance of honesty, trust, respect, generosity and hard work.

No words begin to describe how much dad meant to his grandchildren. He was always there when they needed him. Touching the hearts of those around him was what he did best.

Dad is now reunited with mom, his wife, Beula Jo (Reed) Blanchard, who passed in 2009. Their love for each other was bigger than life and dad was looking forward to being back with her. So deep was their love, that Dad passed up playing for the St Louis Cardinals because being away from her was too hard. Others having a grand reunion with dad include his brother, Bob Blanchard, and his sisters, Margaret Lepley, LaVurn Sheary and Opal Westerbeck, as well as his brothers and sisters in law on mom’s side.

Left to honor his legacy are his sons and their families: Tom Blanchard and his children Cori (Chris Ulane) and Jeremy (Renee); Randy Blanchard and his wife Mae and their children Jillian (Brian Fassburg), Sam, and Jenna (Tyler Asmus); Scot Blanchard and his wife Shelly and their children Ryan and Joel (Sara); Marty Blanchard and his wife Ginger and their children Maggie (Luke Miller), Reed, Lexie, and Anna; as well as Dad’s sister Joy Fedson and sister in law Bonnie Blanchard. Dad also had 3 great grandchildren, Jonah and Tatem Ulane and Simone Blanchard, and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was known by all who knew him as a kind and generous man that never spoke ill of anyone. He respected and cared for everyone. As he would say, “we are all human beings”.

Both mom and dad were very humble and did not want to “burden” their family and friends with traditional funeral services. Both wished for private family graveside services. We are blessed to have had such a great man in our lives. Honor Charles by being kind and respectful to everyone.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Charles Blanchard, Jr., please visit our Tribute Store.