In loving memory of

Charlotte Mary Jean Zeisneiss
March 21, 1965 - February 21, 2020

Charlotte Mary Jean Zeisneiss passed away on February 21, 2020. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colo, Iowa. A funeral mass will follow and begin at 11:00 with Father Rick Dagit officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Jame's Catholic Cemetery in Colo, Iowa.

Charlotte was born on March 21st, 1965 and was baptized that evening. Charlotte was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church Colo, Iowa. She showed us all that she would survive and along the way taught us life lessons among which were patience and pure Joy. Charlotte was born with Downs Syndrome, however she never let that slow her down. Charlotte lived most of her life in Colo, Iowa. She moved to Indian Creek Independent Living in 2019 where she enjoyed her independence and her own apartment. She won over hearts quickly and became part of the community, checking on everyone during her walks. Mom insisted that she be treated like the rest of us and worked to get Charlotte in School at Wilson Beardsheer in Ames, Iowa. While she was in school she participated in Special Olympics. As part of her school, she also participated in a work program and worked at Hickory Park. Dad would drive her there in the morning and then Mom would pick her up at noon. After dad retired he would do both trips, boy the conversations that took place on those trips. Charlotte loved working at Hickory Park and continued working for thirty plus years until 2012 when her health prevented it. We will forever be grateful to Dave Wheelock and the staff at Hickory Park for giving her the opportunity to enjoy her job. Charlotte received her first communion after mom worked with Sister Jean and the church to get that accomplished in 1989. Charlotte enjoyed several trips to Disney with Cathy. Cathy also made sure Charlotte saw her favorite Kenny Rogers and he gave her one of his tambourines, a cherished treasure. Charlotte worked hard on learning everyone's names and had her version of each. Anytime a new member or potential member of the family was brought home they had better be introduced to Sis. Christmas was her favorite and couldn't hold back the joy when the gift she gave was being opened. She loved seeing all her nieces and nephews, except when they were in her room or crying. Sis, be Happy and have a good sleep.

Those better for being a part of her journey Her mother Dorthy Zeisneiss, ten siblings: Carol(Jim) Eyanson, Claudia(Clifford) Dalbey, Curt(Nancy), Cathy(Gene) Hagist, Chris(Chub) Myers, Clark (Robin), Calvin (Sue), Carla( Dave) Sidles, Clay, Carter: numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her father Robert Zeisneiss.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Special Olympics.

Tributes

Bristal Waldera wrote on Feb 25, 2020:

"Charlotte was an incredible person! She probably saved me more then I could of ever saved her. She was the true definition of strength, courage, selflessness!!! She always had a smile on her face and believed anything was possible.... She loved to dance and write songs for her friends, family and caretakers. She honestly had a heart of gold and would go out of her way to make others happy or lend a helping hand. The only thing that saves me from breaking down is knowing that Charlotte wouldn't want anyone to feel bad for her or to cry over her. She would want us to celebrate the life she lived!!! I'm so blessed to have had her in my life and to call her my friend. She is and always will be greatly missed!!!! May she be forever dancing in the sky!!! I'm sending all my love, thoughts and prayers to all her family and friends."

Deb McIntosh Flaherty wrote on Feb 24, 2020:

"My deepest sympathies to all of Charlotte?s family. Your wonderful obituary brought so many memories back to life especially seeing her with her mom and dad and spotting her at Hickory Park. I always enjoyed how she greeted everyone she saw, no matter where she was. Say hi to your dad Charlotte for us all."

Dee Drummer wrote on Feb 22, 2020:

"What a sad day for the Wirth Family. Our mom always had a soft spot for Charlotte. Deepest sympathies to the Zeisneiss Family."