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Iowa Cremation - Cedar RapidsCharles Harken Obituary
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Charlie was born on August 31, 1956, the 5th of 8 children, to Irene and Gerald Harken of Shell Rock, Iowa. He grew up in Shell Rock, graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1974 and from Wartburg College in 1978. While at Wartburg he met Susan Bennett and they married in Clarion, Iowa on a snowy October 24, 1981. They lived in Iowa City for a short time and then moved to Cedar Rapids, where their two sons were born, Carl in 1987 and Brian (BJ) in 1988.
Charlie was an insurance salesman, earning many memorable trips and sales awards throughout his career. He retired in 2019, although he continued to help clients and friends with their insurance needs.
Charlie had wide and varied interests. He loved sports and was a lifelong Hawkeye and Steelers fan, but his favorite teams were always those his sons played on, helping coach many of their youth teams and rarely missed any of their games. Well known for his love of fireworks, July 4 and New Year's Eve were always his favorite holidays. He was also a self-proclaimed expert on a good pastry and, from his work travels, could tell you which small towns in Iowa had the best bakeries. And he loved to follow the weather, giving Carl the Memphis weather report during most phone calls.
Along with his wife, Charlie is survived by his sons and their wives, Carl and Garyn of Memphis, TN and BJ and Andrea of Cedar Rapids. He is PopPop to his four granddaughters, Ellie, Lily, Evie and Daisy. He is also survived by his siblings Bob (Barb), Bill (Barb), Janet (Tom) Withers, Jerry and Pam (Rick) Czerwiec; father-in-law Ron Bennett, sister-in-law Robin (Dave) Elledge, brothers-in-law Terry Williams, Mark (Janeece) Bennett and Bill (Sue) Bennett; nieces and nephews Laura, Steve, Scott, Rob, Matt, Mike, Marc, Lindsey, Lucas, Ben, Sena, Michael, Travis, Amy, Andrew and Jill as well as many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Alphine Bennett, sisters Linda and Barbara Ann and nephew Joe.
Charlie loved a good party. Please join us as we celebrate his life at the Lion Bridge Brewery on Saturday, November 29, 4:30 – 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
Thom and Cathy Rawson
November 24, 2025
So sorry to hear of Charlie´s passing-we often sat beside one another at our son´s games and shared our concerns about the coaching and outcomes-in later years he would stop by our house on his daily walks and we would commiserate about the state of the world-Charlie was a hoot to be around and we will miss him greatly-Thom and Cathy Rawson
Dan and Paulette Norton
November 24, 2025
It´s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.
To the Bennett families and the Harken families, we are so very sorry for your loss and wish you peace and courage to face the days ahead.
But May you feel the love and support of friends and family surrounding you during this difficult time.
Please accept our condolences,
Dan and Paulette Norton
Linda Laird Eytcheson
November 24, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful classmate and friend. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and all who loved him
Dukie Corson
November 24, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are heading to Charlie´s family. All my Love
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Gary Hartman
November 24, 2025
My sympathies to his siblings and family
Bonnie Kurtt
November 24, 2025
Charlie was my favorite guy classmate.
Also enjoyed his big hug´s (the kind that lifted you off your feet!!)
A good friend to Doug & I
Jim Fischer
November 24, 2025
Charlie was one of the "good guys" He will be greatly missed. Jim Fischer
Jon woltz
November 23, 2025
It was always my pleasure to play ball and hang out with Charlie. He was always happy and always looked out for the other guy. I enjoyed a drink and a laugh after ball games. Thanks for sharing time with me Charlie.
Jon woltz
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4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
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Upcoming Events
Nov
29
Services provided by
Iowa Cremation - Cedar Rapids