Charles J. Otterbeck

CHARLES J. OTTERBECK Norwalk Charles John Otterbeck, 85, of Norwalk, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice Care in Johnston, Iowa. Chuck was born on Oct. 14, 1936, in Volga City, Iowa, to Charles L. and Marie (Dillon) Otterbeck. Chuck graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1955 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served as a radar operator for four years and was honorably discharged in August 1959. Chuck married the love of his life, Rebecca Luther, on May 3, 1958, in Oelwein, Iowa, at Sacred Heart Church. Together, Chuck and Becky welcomed three children, John, James and Jane. Of all the wonderful things Chuck accomplished in his life, he was most proud of the family he created with Becky. They spent most of their life together residing in Cedar Rapids, where Chuck worked for Weyerhaeuser Company for 20 years and retired from Stone Container Company in 2000. Chuck enjoyed his retirement years fishing, traveling, attending his grandkids' sporting events, dining with his Friday Night Group friends in Cedar Rapids, and being a Florida snowbird during the winter months. They loved Florida so much they made Bonita Springs their full-time home before returning to Iowa in 2019. Chuck was a happy man who was loved by everyone he met. He always greeted people with a bright smile and a strong handshake. He had a sparkle in his eye and a hearty laugh. He was the biggest sweetheart, always spoke kindly of others, and could see the good in any situation. Those left to honor Chuck's memory include his wife of 63 years, Becky, of Norwalk; his children, John (Sue) Otterbeck, of Norwalk, Jim (Ruth) Otterbeck, of Naples, Fla., Jane (Steve) Reilly, of Peosta; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Monique), Aaron (Trish), Charlie, Mitchell (Ali), Margaret (Rob), Katie (Oliver), Morgan (Ben), Grace, Cameron and Bryson; six great-grandchildren, Parker, Palmer, Carter, Max, Reagan and Matthew; beloved in-laws, Connie (Chuck) Serra, of Oelwein, and Tammy Oltrogge, of Bethlehem, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; four sisters, Irma Duncan, Gertrude McMillan, Genevieve Weber and Irene Fliehler; and five brothers-in-law. A Celebration of Life for Chuck will take place on Saturday, April 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 Orchard Hills Dr., Norwalk, Iowa, in the community room. Until then, please feel free to remember him and celebrate his life in your own way – do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in Chuck's honor or, if it's 5 o'clock, raise a glass of scotch in his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Chuck's name at MercyOne Hospice Care in Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, IA 50131, who provided Chuck the most compassionate end-of-life care; and Holland Farms Senior Living Center, 2800 Sunset Dr., Norwalk, IA 50211, where Chuck felt at home thanks to the amazing care team and staff.