"Bud and I were so sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. We had so hoped all was going well and we would see you both in the valley, perhaps doing the polka at the Friday night dances. We will miss seeing him at horseshoes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lovingly, Bud and Pat"
In loving memory of
Charles K. "Chuck" Day
June 20, 2009
Interment - Calvary Cemetery - Mitchell, South Dakota Wednesday 1:00 PM
Chuck was born on a farm in Humboldt County, Iowa on June 28, 1940. He attended rural school and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1958. He joined the Navy in the fall of 1958 and served for four years. Chuck lived in Norfolk, Virginia until his discharge from the Navy.
Chuck married Margie Burgess in 1961. Two daughters, Vivian Charlene and Donna Marie, were born to this union. Margie died in 1973.
Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1962, Chuck worked for Universal Manufacturing Company. In 1966, Chuck joined the Algona Police Department and served as a policeman for two years.
November 1968 Chuck joined the Kossuth County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. In 1980 he was first appointed and later elected Sheriff that fall. Chuck was awarded Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association's Sheriff of the Year Award in 1992. He served as Sheriff until his retirement in January of 1993.
On July 2, 1982, Chuck married Helen Grohs at St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Algona.
After Chuck's retirement in 1993, he worked for the City of Algona in the cemetery department until 2006.
Chuck belonged to St. Cecelia's Catholic Church, the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association, Prudence Lodge No. 205 AF-AM and Abu-bekr Shrine, Des Moines Consistory.
Chuck loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and his trips to South Dakota to hunt prairie dogs. Chuck also liked working on the farm and watching things grow. He enjoyed the RV life and wintering in Texas, forming friendships with people from all over North America. He also loved sharing time with his family.
Chuck passed away peacefully in Algona on Saturday, June 20, 2009. He was 68 years young.
Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Helen; two daughters: Vivian (Steve) of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and Donna (Jeff) of South Sioux City, Nebraska; three grandchildren: Michael, James, and Jessica; three sisters: Beverly, Shelda, and Sharon; two brothers: Gordon and Lyle; and special nephew, Edward Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Johanna and wife, Margie.
Tributes
"Dear Day Family, I was so shocked this morning when I opened an email from a friend telling me of Chuck's passing. Chuck was a wonderful man. I remember many times he would tease me when I was younger. He will be sadly missed by anyone who knew him. You will be in my prayers and thoughts."
"Helen and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mike has special memories of Chuck - working with him through Sheriff's Reserve. He always had smile and laugh when we were around him. God be with you. Diane and Mike"
"Helen, Vivian, Donna and Michael II and Family I am very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing Chuck, he was a good hearted man who loved his family and he was always helpful to others. I remember one time I saw some colored pencils in his squad car and I asked him what those were for? He said "Oh, ah there's a guy in jail who likes to draw" he found out an inmate in his jail liked to draw pictures. Chuck bought him some colored pencils so he could draw! Those random acts of kindness are what people remember, Chuck didn't have to buy him anything. I've never forgot that and I thought this man has a good heart and cares about people even if they do make bad choices. Helen, Please take care and thank you for your hospitality when Vivian, Michael and I stayed with you and Chuck. Respectfully Mike Hardenbrook "
"Aunt Helen, We are so sorry that Uncle Chuck has passed away, he was a wonderful person. I will always remember his big smile, hardy laugh, and the kindness he always showed me. I wish I could be there tomorrow, please know I will be thinking of you. Love you, Keri and Craig"
"Dear Day Family, Most of you do not know me, but I had the honor of meeting Chuck for the first time in 1987 when he hired me as a Deputy Sheriff for Kossuth County. I am so saddened to hear of his passing as I so much wanted to visit with him one more time. Chuck was a true inspiration for my career in law enforcement. His integrity and leadership will never be forgotten. Although I was blessed to work for him for only five short years before his retirement, I will carry forth the lessons he taught me about honesty and respect throughout my entire career. God Bless all of you and please remember what a positive impact "Charles K. Day" has left behind for so many of throughout Kossuth County. He will be greatly missed but forever honored under Matthew 5, verse 9. Roger Fisher and Family"
"Dear Day Family, My sincere sympathy for your loss. My husband Bill Rasmussen was on the Algona PD in the 60's. We left there and moved to WB in 1966. Chuck was coming in to the police department when Bill was going off. Bill was a big tall guy like Chuck. He had some nearly new police uniforms and was so glad that Chuck could wear them. We lived on the Rasmussen farm and Bill also was the West Bend police for many years. He died in 1999 at age 63. Way too young. I would imagine the two of them will be discussing the pros and cons of police work now. I do not know your family, but I do want you to know that I and my children can truly say we know your pain. The day will come however, when you will think about his life more than you think about his death. It takes some time. God's blessings. Betty"
"Helen, Vivian and Donna, I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Each of you have been blessed through his life here on earth and will cherish the memories of times together. May God stenghthen you in the coming days and wrap you in the arms of His love. Blessings and love always, Lory Rieger"
"Helen, Vivian & Donna, How the years have flown by but I have often thought of you all. Aunt Kay always kept me up with your families. Was very shocked to hear of Chuck's passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and the difficult days ahead. He was a wonderful friend. Andy & Kathy (Senenfelder) Uren"
"Donna and family... My deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Bob Sautter"
"Helen, Vivian and Donna, It's been too many years to count since we last saw each other but please know that I was truly saddened to learn of Uncle Chucks passing. I still hold fond memories of Chuck from almost 40 years ago now. Reunions and gatherings at grandpa and grandmas and Uncle Chuck's irrepressible smile. He was a good man and he will be missed. I wish we would have remained closer and hope to see you at the funeral tomorrow."
"Dear Vivian and Steve, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We know what a battle these last few months have been for your Dad. May Christ's promise of eternal life in Him, fill you with hope and peace during these days and in the days to come. Love and prayers, Bess and Scott "
"Helen, Vivian and Donna, We are so very sorry to hear about Chuck! He was truly an amazing man and I consider very lucky to have know him! God Bless, Deb (Eisenbacher) Schutter"
"Vivian, Helen, & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you walk through the difficult days ahead. I know you will be strong, as you have always done, but remember to take time for yourselves too. Praise God for the wonderful life that Chuck had here on earth and even more so for the perfect life he now has in the arms of Jesus. You will be together again in a blink of God's eye. Blessings and peace, Kris Benge"
"Helen, Vivian, & Donna, I was so shocked when Deb called me & told me about the passing of Chuck. He was a very nice & gentle caring man. I know when I was at the cemenetry visiting Bill, he would always come & talk to me & made me cheer up. He will be missed. You all have my condolences and prayers at this time and in the near future. God will be there with you. Judy Eisenbacher"