"Chuck was a very close friend when I was younger. I enjoyed many laughs, dancing, and just having a great time with him. He loved life and socializing. He ended up living next to my parents, Milo and Anita Kollasch, and I would see him when visiting them. He really missed Eileen. He and Eileen were a perfect match and now are dancing together above. My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends."
In loving memory of
Charles "Chuck" Bell
July 21, 1955 - November 24, 2017
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Chuck's name to the Algona Fire Department.
Charles Robert Bell was born July 21, 1955, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Loren and Bonnie (Ketelsen) Bell. He grew up in Algona and graduated from the Algona High School in 1974. He worked for Thermogas and in 1979, joined the Algona Fire Department as a volunteer fireman.
On May 24, 1980, Chuck was united in marriage to Mary Eileen Elbert at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. To this union their daughter, Emily was born April 10, 1994. They lived in Algona and in April of 1999 became the City of Algona's first full time fireman. In 2000, he became Chief as well as, city building inspector, liquor license inspector and was the official chauffer of Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny. In 2002, became a board member of the Iowa Fire Chiefs Association, serving until 2013. Eileen died suddenly on September 11, 2012. In 2013, Chuck and Emily donated the memorial flags in her name that fly at the Algona Fire Department memorial. He was the recipient of the Algona Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and in 2014 the Iowa Fire Chief's Association Roger Mooty Memorial Award, for his many years of service.
In April of 2015, Chuck was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. On August 27, 2016, Chuck was united in marriage to Colleen Leeper at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. He spent many weeks at the Mayo Clinic fighting his cancer and eventually returned to work.
Chuck along with Eileen and later Colleen rarely missed any of Emily's sporting events during high school and in college. He also enjoyed motocross racing, golfing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, refereeing and spent 30 years on the Bishop Garrigan High School chain gang at football games.
He was a member of the Iowa Fireman's Association, Iowa Fire Chief's Association, Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders in Whittemore.
Chuck died Friday, November 24, 2017, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 62.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen of Algona; daughter, Emily Bell of Ankeny; mother, Bonnie Bell of Algona; brother, Bill (Lori) Bell of Marshall, MN; sister and brothers-in-law, Dan (Maureen) Elbert of Whittemore; Mick (Patty) Elbert of Algona; Mary Ellen (Ron) Meyer of Whittemore; aunt, Patty Gronbach of Algona; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Loren; wife, Eileen; father and mother-in-law, Eddie and Mary Elbert and numerous aunts and uncles.
Tributes
"To lose a friend is the greatest of all losses. Rest in peace Chuck."
"So many great memories of Chuck. One of the things I admire most about him was his zest for life. That smile & laughter of his would definitely brighten any room he walked into!! RIP buddy, Heaven's a brighter place today for sure!! Love ya!!"
"As a non-Algona native, Chuck always made me feel welcome and a part of Algona. A very good man finding his way to heaven far too soon! Take comfort in how good of a person he was and how many peoples lives he has touched! Deepest sympathies..."
"Emily, Colleen, Bonnie and Family,
Chuck was the kindest man I have ever known. He always had a smile and a hello for everyone. His laughter was contagious, he knew how to live life to the fullest. He loved his family, his friends and his career. He has truly touched the lives of so many people. Such a great loss, he will never be forgotten. It is my honor to have known him. You have my deepest sympathy. "
"Emily, Colleen, Bonnie and Family,
Chuck has left this world a better place. His smile and laughter where contagious. He was always giving himself to others and never asking for anything in return. He loved life. He has touched the lives of so many people, he will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Chuck!"
"Chuck was one of those people I always looked forward to running into when I came home. The stories we'd tell and retell -- a couple of which were even true -- and then laugh like we'd never heard it before. I hope and think it's enough to say "what a great guy that I'm glad I got to know." Prayers to the families. Coo Coo, Chief!"
"Our deepest sympathy to Colleen, Emily, and Bonnie on the loss of your loved one, Chuck. He always had a smile for everyone. He will truly be missed. RIP"
"Colleen, Emily, Bonnie and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God you strength during this time and in the days ahead. Chuck knew how to have fun and so enjoyed life. He leaves so many memories for so many people. May those memories help during this difficult time. "
"prayers to the Algona Police Dept and Fire Departments on their loss of their brother. Rest In peace Chuck Bell. Sincerely, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota."
"very sorry to Chuck's family on their loss. He was a great person, a great leader and a great friend to all. God gained a wonderful servant and kind friend in heaven. Chuck will be watching from the skies of heaven now. May You rest in peace Chuck. Godspeed, With Sincere Sympathy and Prayers, Mark J. VonBank-Park Rapids, Miinnesota formerly of Algona, Iowa. "
"Sincere sympathy to all the family. Sending lots of prayer and hugs. "