Charles Aernam

Charles Allen Van Aernam, 74, of Wiota, Iowa, died Sunday, October 2, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Charles A. Van Aernam was born August 16, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from Anita High School in 1960.

In 1963, Charlie married Judy Karns.

He worked as a truck driver for the Wiota Elevator and for Cass County for many years. He was also the grounds keeper at the Anita High School.

He loved Allis Chalmers tractors, telling stories, watching westerns, mowing at the school and spending time with his grandchildren.

Charlie was a member of the Anita Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth.

Surviving Charlie are his children, Sandra Van Aernam of Wiota, IA, Tammy (Shane) Reed of Urbandale, IA and Allen (Stacy) Van Aernam of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Grace Van Aernam, Kelsey Littleton, Jordan Littleton, Camaron Reed, Kayden Reed, Kealin Reed, Hailey Reed, Brittaney (Corey) Elliott, Austin Van Aernam, Allen Van Aernam Jr, Curclund Van Aernam and Stellah Van Aernam; great-grandchildren, Clair and Charlie Elliott; brother, Marvin Van Aernam of Atlantic, IA; sister, Connie (Craig) Lykke of Brayton, IA; special nephew, Mitch (Cindy) Boysen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Anita, Iowa.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2016, at the United Methodist Church Anita, IA with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA.

Hockenberry Family Care in Anita, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.