Charles W. Tucker

Dr. Charles Tucker, age 95, died on June 13, 2023, at his home at Lake Pointe Villa in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hy-Noon Kiwanis, Storm Lake United Methodist Church, or the BVRMC Foundation. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles Wendell Tucker was born on March 27, 1928, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Charles R. and Bertha (Dempster) Tucker.
Charles (Charlie) grew up in Le Mars. After graduating from Le Mars High School in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge in 1949. He returned to Le Mars and completed his undergraduate studies at Westmar College. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, graduating as valedictorian from the College of Dentistry in 1954.
On September 3, 1950, Charlie was united in marriage to Ruth M. Newendorp in Le Mars. Together they were blessed with four children: David, Connie, Beth, and Mary.
After graduating from dental school, they made their home in Storm Lake where he established his dental practice of 36 years.
Charlie was active in the community. A dedicated member of Kiwanis, he served many years on the school board and was involved with Ducks Unlimited. Charlie was very active in the Iowa Dental Association, serving as president in 1988–89. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, the American Dental Association Council on Dental Practice, and a Fellow of the International College of Dentistry.
Upon his retirement, Charlie and Ruth moved to Iowa City where he taught dentistry at the University of Iowa dental school. They returned to Storm Lake in 2012 to live out their final years.
In his free time, Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, ice boating, and hiking. He was a nature lover and loved gardening and tending to his flowers. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include children Connie (Dave) Skibsted, Storm Lake; Beth (Dan) Wilkinson, Pewaukee, WI; Mary Paine, Buena Vista, CO. Grandchildren: Todd Tucker, Oakdale, MN; Mike (Kristie) Tucker, Alexandria, MN; Angie (Brandon) Shaw, Madison, WI; Amy (Dre) Oliver, Blaine, MN; Ben (Bridget) Skibsted, Pine Island, MN; Nick (Kim) Skibsted, Garretson, SD; Brian (Hannah Norwood) Wilkinson, Chicago, IL; Sarah (Konrad Kuc) Wilkinson, West Hartford, CT; Mitchell (Emma Trewhitt)) Paine, Bonnie Lake, WA; Alex (Courtney Carpenter) Paine, Denver, CO. Great-grandchildren: Amelia and Jace Tucker; Madelyn and Lucy Skibsted; Trey, Rylie, and Myles Skibsted; and Brady Shaw. Brother-in-law Paul (Donna) Newendorp, Estes Park, CO; sister-in-law Thelma Tucker, Gainesville, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, son David Tucker, brother Wilbur Tucker, and grandson Timothy Wilkinson.