Charles H. Ehm

Charles “Chuck” Henry Ehm, 89, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.
Chuck was born on November 20, 1928 to Carl and Betty Ehm in Kent, Iowa. He was a graduate of Arispe High School in 1946. He attended Creston Junior College from 1947-1949. Chuck graduated from Iowa State College in 1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy. He proudly served as an officer in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War, 1951 – 1954.
He was married to JoEllen Montgomery from Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953. To this union three children were born: Debra, Gary, and LeAnn.
Chuck had many important roles but none bigger than being husband, father, grandpa and g-pa. He was an extraordinary man who brought joy and laughter everywhere he went. He never knew a stranger and was well known for sharing his life experiences.
He was with the Iowa Agriculture Extension Service for 11 years serving 5 different counties. Along with his wife JoEllen, they established the first co-ed 4-H club in Union County, Sandcreek Pioneers. He served 20 years with the Iowa State Savings Bank as the Ag Representative and Sr. Vice President. He ended his working career with the National Credit Union Administration as an Ag Lending Specialist. In each of these positions he brought his passion for helping others.
He was actively involved in many other organizations including Creston Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, Union County Fair Board, Southwestern Community College Board, State 4-H Foundation Trustee, District Soil Commissioner, Lakeshore Golf Country Club board member and past president, a 2007 inductee to the 4-H Hall of Fame and an active leader of churches wherever the Lord guided them.
Over the years, Chuck and Jo traveled extensively, not only seeing the country, visiting family and friends, but making new friends along their journeys.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoEllen; three children, Debra (Doug) Johnson of Clive, IA, Gary (Cindy) Ehm of Phoenix, AZ, and LeAnn (Tom) Lundberg of Halls, TN; four grandchildren, Stacy (Matt) McElliott, Jared (Kari) Ehm, Brittany Johnson, and Jacob Ehm; and 2 great grandchildren, Maya and Morgan as well as brothers Rudy (Mary) Ehm and Eddie (Burt) Ehm, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Rosie Lundberg and Mary Ann Dutcher.