In loving memory of

Charles C. Christophersen
March 20, 1937 - July 26, 2017

CHARLES CHRISTOPHERSEN
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Charles C. Christophersen, 80, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Premier Estates of Muscatine.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium at a later date.

Charles was born on March 20, 1937 in Iowa City, the son of Clarence H. and Lulu Snyder Christophersen. He married Carol A. Boone on October 25, 1959, in Muscatine.

Charles was a teacher for the Muscatine Community School System for 29 years. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he was an organist for many years.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Carol A. Christophersen, of Muscatine; his children, Jill Ziegenhorn and husband, Dustin, of Muscatine, Beth Simpson of Muscatine, Paul Christophersen and wife, Susan, of Erie, Colorado; three grandchildren, Tiffany McCleary and husband, Joe, Tyler Howerton, Zachary Tucker; four great granddaughters, Jade Lynn Marie McCleary, Lexi Ann McCleary, Ellie Jo McCleary, and Charley Hope McCleary; one brother, Robert Christophersen and wife, Marlene, of Bogata, Texas; one sister, Evelyn Christophersen of Wilton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Ryan Howerton.

Tributes

Kathleen(Barry) Marshall wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Carol and family, I was so saddened to read of Charles passing. I had known he had health issues but it is still a shock....hard to believe we are of 'that ' age. ~ I went to Lincoln School with 'Charlie' and as I remember we were good friends. We shared something special.....being only children. "Charlie' was always so nice. Concerned about others and so helpful. ~ We enjoyed running into the two of you at the New Hope Church's suppers once in awhile when we returned home for a visit.~ Carol, I know that he will be missed beyond measure. ~Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort and may your faith bring you peace, knowing that one day you will all be together once again. In Christian love. Ron and Kathy (Barry) Marshall"

SherryandMike Boynton wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Dear Carol, Beth and family, So sorry to read of Charlies passing. May you know we are thinking of you and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

Karen Brown wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"I remember Mr. C playing the organ at Zion Lutheran. I remember his funny ways and humor even when I was a little girl. May memories comfort you all during this season. "

James Daugherty wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"You will be truly be missed. You were loved by so many, and touched so many lives. Prayers to the family and friends."

Pam (Boldt) Cubbage wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Mr. C was a wonderful teacher. I had him in Sixth grade, at the old Washington School. He would take the class to a room next door, and he taught us songs. Loved it. Seeing Mr. C sitting at the organ in Zion worried me as a younger child, as it looked like the floor was sinking. He was a wonderful person."

Mary Beth Carey wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

" In the spring of 1973 Charles walked his fifth graders from the old Washington school to the new Washington school on Maiden Lane. That same day I walk to my six graders from the old McKinley school to the new Washington school on Maiden Lane. Charles became part of Neptune unit and I became part of Pluto Unit. And I'm thinking for the next 13 years we each taught hundreds of kids and the new Washington school on maiden Lane. It would take 13 books to record all the memories that we made with kids, parents, and the community . I'm not going to lie and say there were no pets in our cherry pie but the cherries were sweet enough that we both shared many teachable moment. Times changed and so did we is the open concept of Pluto and Neptune unit became part of the history of the new Washington school on maiden Lane. Teaching school for Charles and I was not nearly as complicated as it is today. We were allowed freedoms and opportunities to teach what we love and love what we taught. If there is a new Washington school on maiden Lane in heaven I think that's where you'll find Charles and I hanging out. I'll bring along some costumes, some funny hats and will have a great time making a difference in kids lives. Rest in peace my dear old friend Charles, until we meet again please put your name In the upper right-hand corner of each assignment and please write in cursive. Your friend from Pluto, MaryBeth Carey Columbus Junction Iowa."

Jo Ann Leu Gallagher wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"What a sad moment when I saw the obituary for Charles. So many memories of summer visits to the cottage with my family - running around the yard and having such great food and drinking orange pop! On behalf of my parents, Bob and Mary Leu, and myself, please know the entire family will be in my memory of good times growing up and in my prayers."

Sue Breckenfelder Thilo wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Mr. C touched a lot of lives through educating young people and through his gift of music. He was my 6th grade teacher and the organist at my church, and I was lucky to know him. God's blessings and peace to his family and friends."

Tom Randleman wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"I will always remember "Mr. C" and everything I learned from him in my rookie years of teaching at Washington. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family. Thanks for the many memories."

Connie Noble Tansey Fry wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Prayers to family and friends. Mr.C was my 6th grade teacher. His love for music made an impression on me. Truly a great teacher. "

Janet Hamill wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Carol: My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Janet Kramer Hamill"

Tonya Sill wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"He was one of my 6th grade teachers at Washington school I always remember Mr.C . He,was a great teacher . Sorry for your loss "

Audrey wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Charles was one of the nicest people in High school way back then. He never changed in all the reunions since so I am happy for his family and students."

Kris Hollingsworth wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"So very sorry for your loss Carol. You all are in my thoughts and prayers."

Brian Hammer wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Thanks for the great lessons learned in 6th grade at Washington!"

Diana Ogier Lewis wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"I am sorry for your loss."

Diana Ogier Lewis wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"I am sorry for your loss."