Charles (Chuck) Bell, age 86, of Ames, Iowa passed away at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, on March 12, 2018. A gathering of friends and family will be from 4-6:00 p.m. Monday, Mar. 19 at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave., in Ames. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, also at First United Methodist Church. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. Burial with full military rights will be at Story Memory Gardens in Ames at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon.
Charles Victor Bell was born August 14, 1931 in Ames, the son of Roy and Louise Lewis Bell. He graduated from Ames High School and went to work at James Thompson and Sons Construction Company. He was then drafted into the US Marine Corp where he spent two years. After his discharge from the Marines, he returned to work at James Thompson and Sons which later became Story Construction. He married Dorothy Bowers in 1951 and she preceded him in death in 1965. He then married Marlene (Peterson) in Ames in 1967. They celebrated 50 years of marriage last August. Chuck continued working at Story Construction as construction manager and then Vice President until his retirement in 1994. After retirement Chuck spent many hours volunteering on the Board of Trustees at First United Methodist Church, working on his genealogy, enjoying his grandchildren and their activities, and filling up 3 ring binders with "valuable" information. He was a member of Ames American Legion Post #3. He will be remembered by his friendly smile, his unique sense of humor, and his willingness to help others and solve problems with his creative inventions!
Chuck is survived by his wife Marlene Bell of Ames, children; Ross (Leticia Salinas) Bell of McAllen, Tx, Jana (Steve) Schmitt of Waterloo, Beth (Stephen) Eiberger of King City, Mo, Laura Ballantine (Ondrea Dellmann) of Ames, Karen (Mark) Jennings-Boland of Marshalltown, 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren (two more on the way). Chuck is also survived by 5 sisters; Darlene Nelson of Ames, Tootie Price of Ames, Audrey Hill of Chico, Ca, Joan Nicholson of Bellevue, Ne and Joyce Bowers of Gilbert, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church 516 Kellogg Ave. in Ames or Israel Family Hospice House 1111 Duff Ave. also in Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Dear Marlene and family. It is with a heavy heart I leave this note. I will always remember the fine times we shared. Some were working together, some were worshiping together and some were with our fun loving in laws. He, and you, were quick to accept Margaret as a friend. I will always be thankful for having had Chuck as my friend.
Del & Margaret Jespersen
He was such a wonderful man. He was always so kind to us. Nancy Solum, Franklinton, NC.
Dear Marlene and family. I was so saddened to hear of my dear friend's passing. Chuck truly taught me the answer to the Savior's question, "who is thy neighbor?" For 23 years Chuck was more than my neighbor. He was my mentor, my teacher, my comforter, my friend, my brother. I will be forever grateful to you, Marlene and to your beloved husband Chuck for your love and compassion during our family's sorrows and the many years of being our neighbors. May the Lord bless and comfort you and surround you in the arms of his love now and in the days to come.
With love and tenderness
Joe Cheney
Knowing Chuck and Marlene through church and as neighbors has been our pleasure for thirty four years. Their gracious and kind hearts are special to us. Our condolences to Marlene and all the family at this time of Chuck's passing. He is resting in peace. Margaret, Jim and Melanie Torrie
Laura and family; so very sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. It's never easy losing a loved one - especially a very cool and Soecial one.
Love,
Merf
With a heavy heart we send Marlene and family our sincere condolences. Chuck was one of my heroes, and I will miss him so. His ability to love and care for others is truly remarkable. So many happy memories, laughter, and special times spent together have been such a special blessing. May you rest in peace my most special friend. Look forward to meeting you again
My deepest sympathies to Marlene and family. So many wonderful memories of Chuck from FUMC. Working in the church office, I was always happy to see Chuck walk through that door. We endured a lot together during the renovation project and years following. I still think of him often.
Sandra Trca-Black
Fort Collins, CO
Thanks for all the fun, Chuck! To his children and grandchlldren: "When you speak of your father, speak not with tears, for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for his life was rich because of you."-Kahlil Gibran
Love my cross, Chuck!
Visitation
Ames, Iowa 50010
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Ames, Iowa 50010
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