" Chuck was a great guy! What he wouldn't do to help out someone in need-that was Chuck! I learned a lot from Chuck. He was warm and kindhearted. Did he ever know his craft! Chuck was the best I ever saw at brick and blocklaying. Fireplaces were no problem either for Chuck. Chuck loved his family also. He was a professional. His job was his priority. He always strove to do excellent work. Nothing slip-shod about Chuck. Chuck was stacked from the hip up. Heavy block work was nothing for Chuck. He will be missed by many. My thanks to Chuck for teaching me the trade. Class of 1988-89."
In loving memory of
Charles Harper
September 6, 1941 - July 29, 2012
Charles D. "Chuck" Harper, 70, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Hampton and Iowa Falls, Iowa, died on July 29, 2012.
Born at home in Hansell, he was a Master Bricklayer for 50 years working for Seedorf Masonry of Strawberry Point, with his brother, Wayne, at Harper Brothers Masonry and for himself at Harper Custom Masonry. He attended the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Construction Technology and went on to become an Associate Professor of Masonry Construction at Iowa Valley Community College, Ellsworth Campus in Iowa Falls from 1987 - 1997. He retired in 1997 and moved to Florida in 2005. His masonry artistry can be seen all over the state of Iowa, especially in the Hampton and Iowa Falls area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletis and Valera Harper and his brother, Wayne.
He is survived by his wife, Pam, son, Mike of Hampton, daughter Susan of Orlando, Florida, four grandchildren, grand daughters Brandi Watt of Des Moines, Tasha of Hampton, and grandsons, Joshua and Jordan of Hampton, a great grandson, Kobe Watt, three brothers, R.J. of Hampton, Steve of Ft. Myers, Florida, Daryl of Tripoli, Washington, aunt, Doris Knueppel, and 11 nieces and nephews. And of course, his little dog Annie who rarely left his side and slept at his feet throughout his final months.
Burial of cremains will take place in the Harlan Cemetery in rural Dumont, Iowa.
The family wishes to acknowledge the most special care he received from Tidewell Hospice and Heartland North Rehabilitation in Sarasota.
The family requests no flowers. Donations can be made to the Ellsworth Community College Foundation, Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Tributes
"I am sorry to learn of your family sorrow. The death of a loved one is painful. If I may, I'd like to share scripture found in your Bible that may comfort you in some way. John 6:40 reads...For this is the will of my Father, that everyone that beholds the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him in the last day. You see, according to this promise, we have hope."