Charles Edward Putbrese

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Life of Chuck Putbrese
Charles (Chuck) Edward Putbrese lived an incredible life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Air Force Officer, and Deacon who passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, at the age of 93. He lived his life with faith, love, humility, and a servant's heart.
Chuck was born in Auburn, Iowa, on August 24, 1931. He was the son of Edward and Marjorie Putbrese. Chuck grew up on the family farm before moving into town to help run the family store. As a teenager, Chuck demonstrated his unlimited leadership potential by obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Drake University in 1953 and married the love of his life, Ella Mae (Kay) Putbrese (Kinley), on November 8, 1953. After graduation, Chuck was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He spent the majority of his career as a Special Agent in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) in counter-espionage during the Cold War. During his more than 21-year distinguished career, he also completed his Master of Arts degree in counseling from Ball State University. He received many medals and awards for his outstanding service to our country, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a patriot and loved our country. In 1975, a former General who had headed the OSI recruited Chuck to be a director in a new company, Operational Systems Incorporated. As part of his new career, Chuck retired from the Air Force and traveled to countries throughout the world, training governments in security measures.
Chuck was a devout Christian, with God being at the center of his life. Shortly after taking on his new position, Chuck and Kay decided to sacrifice their material success to answer their spiritual calling and devote their lives to God. Chuck stepped out of his comfort zone and left his company in 1976 to turn a country radio station in Norwalk, Iowa, into a Christian radio station. KWKY became Iowa's Christian Radio station, providing peace and hope to thousands of Iowans. With the help of many devout Catholics, Chuck and his son John formed Iowa Catholic Radio in 2005, turning KWKY into a Catholic Radio Station, the first in Iowa. In 1997, Chuck became an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church, serving at The Basilica of St. John and Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines. He retired from active service in 2018 at the age of 87.
Chuck loved to take care of his yard, including his zinnia and vegetable gardens, his orchids, and koi fishpond. He loved to travel, dote on his loving wife, and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Perhaps his greatest attribute was his love of helping others. Chuck will be remembered for his incredible spirit and always having a smile to share. He will not be forgotten.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ella Mae; his sons Steve (Maureen), Kevin, Mark (Kim), Dan, John (Debbie), and Keith; son-in-law Scot; grandchildren Sean, Michael, Kaylee, Megan, Matthew, Danielle, Conrad, Steven, Marie, Charles, John, Elizabeth, Emma, and Grace; and great-grandchildren Tom, Will, Claire, Ella, Luca, and Ezra. His brother Jim Putbrese, sister-in-law Martha Maselko, brother-in-law Raymond Kinley (Sarah) and many nephews, nieces, and friends also survived him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marjorie Putbrese, brothers Keith and Dale Putbrese, and daughter, Heather Sorensen.
The family would like to thank the Scottish Rite, VA, and Suncrest staff for helping make Chuck's final chapter peaceful and enjoyable.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ the King Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Chuck's life will be celebrated at Christ the King Parish. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25 from 9:00 to 10:00 am; family and friends can share their memories of Chuck from 10:00 to 10:45 and the funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Chuck will be buried with full military honors on Wednesday, March 26 at 9:30 am at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.