Charles William Dekovic, Jr. age 82, of Ames died January 11th in Madrid, IA. A gathering of friends and family will be held 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan 13, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care at 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. Burial will be at the Iowa State University Cemetery.
Chuck was born April 8, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Charles and Lillian (Hell) Dekovic. Chuck attended Crane Technical High School in Chicago, then enlisted in the US Marine Corp after high school in 1948. He served during the Korean Conflict until 1953. On June 11, 1955 he married Elaine Ann Pavlak in Chicago where they lived until he graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958 with a degree in Architecture. The family then moved to Ames, Iowa, where he accepted an engineering graphics position at Iowa State University. His career path further led him to Rudi & Dekovic Architects, Cal State Hayward, Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and he returned to complete his career at Iowa State University in facilities management.
Chuck served the Ames community on several boards which included Youth & Shelter Services, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. He served as a volunteer at Israel Family Hospice House, and dedicated time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for area youth.
Chuck is survived by his wife Elaine Ann Dekovic of Ames, his children: Mark (Sue) Dekovic of Minneapolis, MN; Charles III (Sara) DeKovic of Ames, Jay Dekovic of Fraser Valley, CO; Lauren and (Martin) Fenimore of Ames, Julie Dekovic of Houston, TX; Elizabeth Catanesi of Madera, CA, 8 grandsons, and 2 great grandsons.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene DeKovic of Napa Valley, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Youth & Shelter Services of Ames or a charity of your choice.
On line condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Dear Elaine and family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Cuck was my first advisor at ISU, when I matriculated in 1961 and as a foreign student away from home, I could use all the advice and support I could get. Chuck was always there when I needed him.
Our relationship developed over the years in many directions. He was my studio instructor, handball partner, and above all my friend. Kathy and I remember fondly the several wonderful evenings we spent at your home.
The thing that impressed me most about Chuck was his high level of personal integrity. For that, and for his cheerful personality, I will always remember him.
Chris Saccopoulos
Elaine and family. bringing back memories of Breadshire elementRY school.. AND the contributions you, Chuck and family made to Ames.
My husband was on 3rd floor and I became acquainted with Chuck . We both read "Time" and I enjoyed visiting with him. He said "Time" was the best birthday present he ever got. A fine man.
CHUCK AND FAMILY, MY CONDOLENCES IN YOUR LOSS.
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
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