Charlie Kelchen 74, died Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Monticello, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 Tuesday morning, July 25, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery, with Military Honors.    Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 Monday, July 24, 2022 at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.  A parish Vigil Service will start at 4:00.  Visitation will resume on Tuesday at 10:00 at the church.  Rev. Fr. Paul Baldwin will officiate at the services.  By visiting Goettschonline.com you may share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Charlie's family and sign the online guest book.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years Vicki, his daughter, Jami (John) Schlarmann, 3 grandchildren, Kinzi, Haili and Nick.  His siblings, Phil (Virginia), Bill (Dolores), John, Ruth (Dick) Pasker, Theresa Dullea and Ben Kelchen,  brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Staci Fritz and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded by his parents, siblings, Al, Bob, Larry, Betty DeRosia, Rita Kelchen, Leroy, Mary Eleanor Graessle, and Catherine Matthews, and his parents-in-law, Ron and Lori Fritz.

Charles Patrick Kelchen was born April 20, 1949, at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello.  He was the son of Aloysius and Leona Crowley, Kelchen.  Charlie attended school in Coggon,  He finished his education in the  Monticello Community Schools.  He worked in the lumber yard and then enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Charlie entered the Army on September 27,1968 and was combat wounded on August 28, 1969.  Charlie was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Air Mission Medal.

Charlie never let his injuries dictate his life. He owned fast cars and fun toys, then later in life, he slowed down to a golf cart and his prized motorcycle. He became an excellent pool player and enjoyed many card games with his friends.  His time spent at his cabin on Lake Delhi held many great memories. Most important to him was his family, especially his grandkids who meant the world to him. He played hours of games with them, even a good game of basketball. He always had a joke or words of wisdom to share. He was a friend to whoever he met and will be missed by so many.