Charles Thomas Strief

Charles Thomas Strief

Charles Strief Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home on Sep. 19, 2025.

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Charles Thomas Strief was born on August 3, 1948, to William and Mildred (Jeri) Strief in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966, where he was a member of the varsity swim team and earned numerous awards in freestyle events.
After beginning his college studies at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, he transferred to Drake University in 1968, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees.

He dedicated over 30 years of his life to teaching in the Des Moines Public Schools, with a focus on elementary and middle school education. Charles was honored with a Teacher of the Year award-an accolade made even more meaningful as he was nominated by one of his own students. The award was presented at the University of Iowa.

Charles was devoted to his family and had a special love for his dogs. He was also an avid supporter of the Drake University Men's Basketball team and reveled in their recent successes. In his free time, he enjoyed playing tennis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Peggy; their child Carrie Strief (Zach Navarro); and his beloved grandchildren, Emily and Evan, along with their mother, Dawn Strief. He is also survived by his siblings: Wendy (Harrie) Shearer of Minneapolis, Ann Buerle of Savannah, GA, David (Vickie) Strief of Tucson, AZ, and John (Brenda) Strief of Iowa City, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on August 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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