Charles Wesley Brumm, born on Aug. 7, 1953 in Curlew, Iowa, passed away on Jan. 30, 2023, at the age of 69. Charlie, as he was affectionately known, was a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, doting great-grandfather, sweet brother, and reliable friend to many. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness.
Charlie met the love of his life, Linda, while attending school in Emmetsburg. They fell in love and started building their lives together. They were married after they both graduated from high school, and together they raised a family. Their love story was a testament to the power of true love, and their 50th wedding anniversary would have been on June 8, 2023.
Throughout his life, Charlie worked for the Parks Department at the University of Iowa, sold vacuums with Electrolux, worked at the feed store for his Uncle Ike in Fairfield, was an EMT at the hospital in Emmetsburg, became a mail carrier at the Emmetsburg post office and then sorted mail in Iowa City. He was a salesman for National Federation of Independent Business in Atlantic, Iowa, started a specialty advertising business called Bochar, worked again for NFIB in Bolivar, Missouri, and started Charinda Photo. Once in Phoenix, he started selling light bulbs, followed by insurance, eventually working for the Nuclear Power Plant as a security guard, was a supervisor for the carrier routes at The Phoenix Gazette, owned and operated multiple video stores (Big Time Video), and spent the last 27 years as an accountant and tax professional.
Charlie loved his motorcycles and boats when he owned them. He enjoyed playing blackjack at the casino or at home with his family. He loved teaching his kids and grandchildren to play blackjack and poker. He became a movie buff trying to keep up on all the latest movies being released, especially anything to do with Star Trek. He loved when his sons would set up the karaoke machine and he would get to sing, “Hard to be Humble” by Mac Davis. He enjoyed sitting in his chair playing Soduko. He loved scooting around Las Vegas with Linda and friends and family. In recent years, he developed a love for cruises with old friends. He was thrilled to visit friends and family in Iowa. He enjoyed sitting by the fire pit. He was always excited to get into the latest technology. Charlie loved meeting up with his friends at the “office” (Whataburger). He was an exceptionally loyal friend and cherished all the times he spent visiting and telling stories with his friends. And more than anything, he loved having his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around.
Charlie was the heart of his family, always there to support and love them. He is survived by his wife Linda, his children Jason (Angela) Brumm, Adam Brumm, Tammy Hokanson, and Becky Brumm, his grandchildren Robyn (Bryan) Troglia, Corey Brumm, Brandi (Kane) Woodward, TJ Hokanson, and Tiffanee Hokanson, his great-grandchildren Moxie Troglia, Morganna Troglia, Bridget Woodward, and Winry Woodward, his sisters Ardella (Greg) Miller and Lou Schooley, and many sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Ruth Stewart Brumm and his father, Elmer Estel Brumm. He will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, infectious laugh, and love for spending time with his family. He was always there for those he loved, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear.
Charlie’s impact on the lives of those around him will be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the lives of his loved ones. Rest in peace, Charlie. You will forever be in our hearts.
The family would like to extend an invite to any friends and family who would like to celebrate Charlie’s life on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. We welcome you to stop by Charlie and Linda’s house for a light bite to eat, visit, and share stories of Charlie (be sure to come prepared with your favorite story).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Brumm family.
