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Charles Caughlan Obituary
West Des Moines
Charles Richard Caughlan, 66, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2015 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA after a brief, tragic illness. His devoted wife, DeAnna, walked side by side with him through this last journey as did his siblings and children. Charlie truly had the "gift of encouragement" and shared that with everyone around him throughout his life.
The son of Eugene "Red" and Jean Beno Caughlan, Charlie was born on September 17, 1948 in Council Bluffs, IA. He attended the University of Iowa where he graduated from medical school in May of 1973. From that day forward Charlie was an avid Hawkeye fan.
While there, he met and married Kimberly Newland. Though they later divorced, this union was blessed with three children, Carrie, Kate and Tom.
On August 3rd, 1987 Charlie married the love of his life, DeAnna Meyer. Together they shared what Charlie came to refer to as a "wonderful life" that was "truly blessed". His family was his true pride and joy.
Charlie began his successful medical career by joining Internal Medical Associates in Mason City, IA in 1976. Charlie loved being a doctor and strove every day to provide excellent care for his patients and keep them from "harm's way". In January of 1998, Charlie and DeAnna moved to West Des Moines where he continued his Internal Medicine practice by joining Iowa Health Physicians. He was honored to be a Fellow in the American College of Physicians and recognized year after year in America's Top Physicians and Best Doctors in America. He was Chief of Staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center from 2006 to 2007. Charlie retired from Unity Point Health on July 8th, 2014.
Charlie developed a love for the game of golf at a very young age and followed that passion for the rest of his life. Over the course of his golf experience, he had five hole-in-ones. More than the game of golf, he loved the great lifelong friendships he developed through the sport at Mason City Country Club and Glen Oaks Country Club where he served a term as Club President.
Charlie is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, DeAnna Caughlan; his
children, Carrie (Derek) Pederson, Kate (Dana) Sergent and Tom (Laurie) Caughlan;
grandchildren, Nicholas, Eleanor, Samuel, Nora, Sean and Scarlet; his brother, Tom (Barbara) Caughlan; sister, Nora (Scott) Bergren; mother-in-law, Marcella Meyer;
brother-in-law, Geary (Denice) Meyer; sister-in-law, Tracy (Erick) Schminke; many more family members and a host of many very close friends. His parents preceded him in death.
Everyone is invited to a celebration of Charlie's life to be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 6 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. A reception will follow at Glen Oaks Country Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines or Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Caughlan
Tom Baird
June 26, 2025
I'm thankful for this opportunity in his memory to express my thanks to his loved ones for his thoughtful, compassionate care. Somewhere along the line I got the idea that I was a patient he took a special interest in, but after reading so many tributes to him, I see he treated everyone that way, After each appointment with him, I came away encouraged and hopeful. He could serve as an example to all doctors, because to me he was everything a doctor should be. I will never forget him.
Deanne McCann-Chind
July 9, 2015
I just found out today of Dr. Caughlan's passing. I have no words to say how sorry I am to his family and friends. I was referred to Dr. C. by my kids' pediatrician, Dr. Bartlett, another wonderful physician who left us way too soon. I was fortunate to have Dr. C's medical expertise and friendship for several years. He was amazing and will be greatly missed.
Amanda Reysack
July 8, 2015
I am in shock to hear of Dr. Caughlan's passing! He was such a great doctor. Thoughts and prayers to the family!
Joyce Kamm
July 7, 2015
I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Caughlins passing. He was a wonderful doctor and a very good friend. He will be missed by many. RIP Charlie!!
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Cassie Baker
July 7, 2015
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear of Dr. Caughlan's passing. I will forever be grateful for his honesty and compassion while taking care of my entire family, and especially my mom. He was that type of physician that would always be there for you and genuinely cared for you. Thank you for all you have done and may you rest in peace.
Kathy Stairs
July 7, 2015
I am heartbroken to hear of Dr Caughlan's passing. He was my rock and my voice of directions throughout my illness. He will be missed by my entire family. He took such great care of all of us. Praying for his family..HUGS
Jean Pierce
July 7, 2015
I am just learning of the passing of this truly remarkable man. Charlie was my mother's doctor until the end of her life and was the most caring & honest doctor I've met. He was getting ready to retire when last I spoke with him and had his golf clubs all shined up ready to hit the course. It is with much sympathy that I pay tribute to his memory and thank God for a man such as Charlie. Prayers to his family.
Susan Kading
July 6, 2015
I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as I read of Dr. Caughlan's passing. He was a great Dr. and an even better man. He has always provided a "soft spot," to land when a health crisis arose. It seemed he always had a sixth sense in diagnosing an illness. He was a Dr. that wasn't afraid to show his humanity. More than tests and prescriptions, he provided the feeling that everything would be fine. I loved how he would share about his family and would always ask about mine. He was our family physician but he made an effort to remember details about our personal life, as well as our health. To the familythank you for sharing him with us. You will be in our prayers. When I think of Charlie.I think "skies of blue and red roses too".what a wonderful world! Godspeed Dr. Cyou ARE simply, the best!
Tom Baird
July 6, 2015
To me, Dr. Coughlan was the ultimate professional. As a doctor, he looked the part and he acted the part. He got right to the point and never had to repeat himself. His diagnoses were right on the money. He was friendly and affirming. I was only one of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of his patients, yet he knew me and my medical and personal history, and treated me like a close friend. I only wish he had had many more years of well-deserved retirement. May his loved ones somehow draw comfort from their memories of this truly remarkable man.
Steve, Tiffini & Cora Garman
July 6, 2015
Seeing Charlie and his smile while cruising in his golf cart made my day more times than he knew. And his reminder every time I saw him that I "outkicked my coverage" with my wife always made me crack up. And in the tough times with some pretty ugly health issues, he was always there to explain things in layman terms, and reassure me. He is missed. Rest in peace, Charlie. I'll root on the Hawks in your name.
July 6, 2015
As we say goodbye today to Charlie and celebrate his life it's impossible to put into words what Charlie has meant to so many patients & friends. Charlie has been my dear friend, confidant, golfing buddy, patient & physician for the past 36 years. To say we have traveled a lot of paths together would be a tremendous understatement. I have had the good fortune & distinct pleasure to have known Charlie from a very broad vantage point. He was an astute clinician with superb diagnostic skills but even more importantly a compassionate physician who always offered his patients the utmost in terms of understanding, hope & encouragement. He was also a doctor's doctor who was held in high esteem by his medical colleagues and vast numbers of employees & support staff. One did not have to spend much time with Charlie to appreciate how much he cherished his bride & family. He will be missed by many patients, colleagues and friends but none as much as DeAnna, Carrie, Kate, Tom and his extended family. He was certainly one of God's greatest gifts to medicine and to mankind. His sense of humor and zest for life were uniquely Charlie's. We wish him lush golf courses with broad fairways, smooth greens & a deft touch for all his celestial golf.
Our Deepest Sympathy & Prayers
Dr Allen & Andi Blume
Steve Niester
July 4, 2015
The nicest man and the most caring doctor I have ever known. I am a better person for knowing him. He loved golf and I was privileged to earn his trust working on his golf equipment. My heart is broken. I will never forget Charlie.
Marc Harding
July 4, 2015
A brilliant helpful and caring man. I've learned from him and treasure memories. My condolences to the family
Gene Elliott
July 3, 2015
DeAnna & Family,
I am very sad by your loss and can't believe Charlie is gone. I had heard he was in bad shape but hearing the news was hard. I learned of his passing minutes before the final match in the IGA State Match Play. I went to my car and cried. Regrouped and with Charlie watching from above he got me through. Charlie helped me through some very rough times in my life. He is a great loss to many. My condolences!!
Coe Davis
July 3, 2015
Deanna and family,
I was saddened and heartsick to hear of Dr. Caughlan's passing. He defined what all doctors should live up to, and was so compassionate. When going through my divorce, after 33 years of marriage, he asked if I had a good support system of friends. I assured him that I did, and his comment"Consider me one of them." What a great guy he was. He was my dr. for many years and I was just so sad when he retired last year. Great big shoes to fill at his office.
God's blessings to you and your family. Heaven just gained a wonderful man.
Jane Keown
July 3, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Caughlan's death. He was our doctor for many years and helped us through several serious illnesses. He not only gave us encouragement but lined us up with the very best specialists. My prayers are with his loved ones. He was what we considered to be a "confidant". He will be remembered with love.
Cristina Ramirez
July 2, 2015
Dr. Caughlan you will be missed. As my personal Dr and working with you at Jordan Creek Internal Med. You have a wonderful heart and I truly admire you. My heart and thought our with your family. Thank you for the time you've given us and blessed us all by being a part of our lives.
Sheila & Tony Yadon
July 2, 2015
To the Family of Charlie Caughlan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great man and treated everyone with the utmost respect. God has an awesome Doctor by his side!
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Frances Riggs
July 2, 2015
Dr. Caughlan was a wonderful doctor. He took the time to visit about your problem and gave the best medical solution. He was patient, kind and thoughtful. I missed him when he retired...my sympathies are with you and your family.
Terry McCoy
July 2, 2015
DeAnna,
So sorry to hear of your husband's sudden illness and passing.I pray the Lord will comfort you and your family during this time. Your CO cousin, Terry McCoy
July 2, 2015
Deanna,
I will keep you and your family in my prayers I will pray for strength and comfort..
Ray (Taylor House Volunteer)
Michele Yannuzzi
July 2, 2015
My husband, Gil, and I were both patients of Charlie. We are shocked and saddened to read of his passing. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. He made a big difference in my life as an incredible physician that I counted on and appreciated. So sorry for this terrible loss.
Robynn Anspach-Emery
July 2, 2015
My heart goes out to Dr Caughlan's loving wife Deanna and family.
Day after day he showed selfless devotion to his patients and families. He was not only their doctor but also a friend.
I was blessed enough to have worked side by side with him for almost 10 years prior to retirement. I learned many life lessons from him over the years.
His love hate relationship with technology always kept me on my toes. He had a "superpower" ability to disable a computer, sometimes without even touching it.
So here's to you Dr C, a celebration of your life well lived and a thank you beyond words for the impact you made in my life. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.....
Kathy and Robert Kieler
July 2, 2015
DeAnna and family
I feel like I know you all from the wonderful digital photos Charles shared with us when we had to visit for dr's appt's. He was such a kind sole and was truly a very wonderful man. I loved him to pieces. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. Hugs and prayers to you all in your time of sorrow.
July 2, 2015
For my mother, Pauline Marshall;
Dr Caughlan was the most compassionate, caring, humane being who knew just how to work with older people. A ture gem who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his dear family, friends and those who worked with him.
Paula Marshall-Zimdars
Janet Hedberg
July 2, 2015
We are so sad that Dr. Caughlan has died. He was a wonderful Dr. He helped my husband and I through many health problems and he always remebered our son, who died.
Jon & Linda Gibson
July 2, 2015
Our heartfelt condolescences for the Caughlan family. We know Charlie was, unquestionably, Des Moines' finest physician.
Dawn Brown
July 2, 2015
DeAnna,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Charlie at Lakeview Internal Medicine with Dr Archer. He was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. Praying for you and your family during this tragic time. May God bless you with His comfort and peace.
Sandy & Alan Haubrich
July 2, 2015
Best doctor ever! (He saved my life.) He will be greatly missed. God's blessings to the family. Such a great, kind, caring, compassionate man.
Traci Wood
July 2, 2015
I am very saddened to hear this. I worked with Dr Caughlan at Lakeview Internal Med. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. He will be dearly missed by all.
Darla Bonjour
July 2, 2015
Dr. Caughlan was the most compassionate doctor I've ever met. The world has truly lost an angel. There are no words...May the lord watch over your family during this difficult time. Peace & Blessings -
Elinor Caughlan
July 2, 2015
I was very saddened to hear about Charles's passing.My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Kathi Huebner
July 1, 2015
DeAnna and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our love at this difficult time,
Kathi, Joel, Derrick, Ally, Aria, Ethan and Ahren
July 1, 2015
Deanna. I want you to know how sorry and sad we are for the loss of Dr Caughlan. He was a simply remarkable man and someone respected by so many. He really put humanity into being a physician. He will be remembered and truly missed. Love and prayers.
July 1, 2015
Our deepest sympathy for all of you. Charlie was our doctor for Many years. We had the utmost respect for him. He Loved his family so very much. Whenever Dave or I saw him; he always commented about his lovely wife, children, or grandchildren. he always had a smile on his face. Dave had cancer and Charlie was Very supportive and encouraging for him and I. He told Dave he had only witnessed 2 miracles during his medical career and Dave was one of them. We have missed him as our doctor and now he has left this mortal existence to help our FATHER IN HEAVEN. We never know how much time we have on earth. Charlie helped so very many people here. He will truly be missed. His spirit isn't gone; I'm certain you will feel him near you; as well as our Savior giving you peace and comfort as you grieve. Sincerely, Dave and Kathy Arzani
Shirley Newgard
July 1, 2015
Dear Deanna and family, my heart goes out to you and your family. Dr. Charley was more than a doctor, he showed so much compassion to his patients and always took the time needed. My daughter and son in law and myself were patients of his. He always had time for us and gave me the liberty to contact him any time of the day or night. We really enjoyed the family pictures he had in his office and he was so proud of all his family. God has a wonderful man setting beside him in heaven. May god comfort you in your loss and remember the precious years you had together.
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