Charlotte "Chuck" Ann Brahms

On New Year’s Eve, 1956, in Brush, Colorado, Jinx and Donnie Blum playfully bantered if Jinx would get to share her birthday—and if they would get a tax deduction for the year. But on New Year’s Day, 1957, they welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Ann, into the world. Charlotte grew up surrounded by a close-knit family, spending cherished time with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Even after her father’s passing, she fondly recalled her mother’s steadfast grit and grace, which kept their family strong. At the start of her junior year, Charlotte and her mother relocated to Iowa, where she attended C&M School. Charlotte gained a second dad and almost a handful of step-siblings when her mom married Ed Amdor in Massena, Iowa. There, she found not only lifelong friends but also met her future husband, these relationships that would shape her life forever.

 Dave &Charlotte were married at the Methodist Church in Cumberland on “the hottest damned day of the summer” on July 31, 1982. From the line “Hey, maybe we ought to get married?” their daughters Melinda Jo and Janessa Rose were born. Charlotte’s life was a testament to resilience. She faced and conquered her greatest struggles, transforming them into her deepest calling. Her journey led her through addiction and incarceration, a path few dare travel. Yet, she emerged from those trials with a newfound purpose and an unbreakable faith in Jesus. Her faith became the foundation upon which Charlotte rebuilt her life. Through it, she discovered her calling as a substance abuse counselor. She poured her heart and soul into helping others find freedom from the darkness she knew all too well. Her empathy, born from her own experiences, was a light to so many in their times of need. With a compassionate heart and unwavering belief, she inspired countless others to believe in the possibility of redemption and a brighter future. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every person she lifted, and every heart she helped heal.

Her greatest joy in life came from nurturing all things beautiful and green. She was an avid gardener whose love for flowers, particularly her prized hostas, flourished like her spirit—vibrant, resilient, and graceful. Every plant she touched was a canvas, each bloom an expression of her creative heart, passed down from her mother, whose artistic flair left its mark on her soul. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she wove her dreams into petals and leaves, creating a vibrant tapestry of life that reflected her endless love and creativity.

Left to celebrate a wonderful life lived are her hubby, “Crazy” Dave, daughters Melinda (Colin) and their children, Coady, Declan, Drew, Malea, and Pippa, all of Anita, IA, Janessa (Andrew) of Bellevue, NE, and bonus and not so secretly favorite Amy (Sean) and their son Jeremiah of Atlantic, IA. Charlotte always opened her home to whichever “bonus” kid was there over the years; Andi, Melba, Emi, Jason, and Jodi loved her as much as she loved them. Her mother-in-law Jan Brahms of Greenfield, IA; she often referred to her just as “mom.” She also cherished her band of soul sisters, leaving them to keep her family in line: Kris, Donna, Mary, Patti, Marla, Sandy, Beth, and Teresa. First in line to greet her in heaven were her parents, Donnie, Edward, and Jinx, along with her Grandparents, Bobbie, John, Hattie, and Virgil.

Charlotte, aka Chuck, Char, Charlie, Grandma, Mom, Sister, Aunt, and Friend- a woman known for “She always gave more than she got.”

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024 at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic with Pastor Dave Leggett officiating.

A luncheon will be held in the Schmidt Family Funeral Home Community Room following the service.

Burial will be at a later date.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church Alter Society in Corning or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral home P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is Caring for the Brahms family at this time.