Obituaries : Charles M. Yundt

Charles M. Yundt

VINTON – Charles Martin Yundt, 83, of Vinton, died Tuesday morning, July 31, 2012, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab in Vinton following an extended illness. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Helen; his son, John F. Yundt and wife Lynn; and two grandchildren: Nick and Autumn, all of Vinton; and two brothers-in-law: Frank Shaw, Jr. of Independence and Ross C. Shaw of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Charles joins his parents and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen and Barbara Shaw, in their heavenly home.

Charles was born July 28, 1929, in Independence, Iowa, the son of John J. and Dorothie Rosenburger Yundt. Charles attended Independence Public Schools during his childhood. His Grandma Yundt lived close enough to his school that Charles was able to go to her home for lunch, where she always had a warm meal waiting for him. After school, he returned to her home where she prepared a tray of cookies and milk as an after-school snack. He attended and eventually graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. He returned to Iowa to complete his education with a BS degree in Poultry Husbandry from Iowa State University in Ames.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. From 1953 until 1956, he worked in Communications in the service, spending time in Greenland.

From a young age, Charles was greatly influenced by his grandfather and namesake, Charles Rosenburger. Grandpa Rosenburger was a successful entrepreneur, founding the Independence Produce Company, along with various satellite plants. As a young boy, Charles’ grandfather helped him organize an egg route for the delivery of eggs to neighbors and friends. From this early experience, Charles went on to work at his grandfather’s company in Independence; became the manager of the turkey processing plant in Waverly; and became the manager and President of the Vinton Produce Company, Poultry Processing and Egg Breaking Plant, which he later transformed into his own ham processing company. He was the co-founder and Board officer of Iowa Ham Processing.

Charles’ life with Grandpa Rosenburger did not entirely revolve around work. The two were avid fisherman, and Charles would say they were taking Grandpa’s “country car” to Buffalo Creek near Winthrop for a day of fishing and a picnic lunch. Later in life, Charles’ love of fishing would take him and his own family to various destinations for fishing. He especially enjoyed fishing in Canada, where guides would treat his group to shore lunches and champagne. He greatly enjoyed the sport, even though he never managed to land that elusive Muskie.

Grandpa Rosenburger also treated Charles to Saturday movie matinees, which were always Westerns. Although he loved animals of all kinds, he was very proud to have his own horse and a special pony named Babe. Until Charles’ death, cowboy movies remained his favorite.

Charles’ other hobbies included travel, Big Band music and football season. He also greatly enjoyed golf and was a member of the Vinton Country Club.

Charles was an active member of his church and community. He was a 50-year member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he also served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Trustees. He was on the Board of Virginia Gay Hospital; Brenton Bank, which later became Farmer’s Savings Bank and Trust; was a past President of the Vinton Lion’s Club.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2012, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton. A Celebration of Charles’ Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Dr. Judith Bunyi officiating. Per Charles’ wishes, his body will be cremated following these services and private family committal will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Charles and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to Vinton’s Wesley United Methodist Church or Virginia Gay Hospital.