
Charles Dean Haden
Charles Dean Haden died Feb. 19, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1935, to Elbert Wayne and Iona DeVee (Brideson) Haden in Perry. He grew up in Panora. After graduating from high school in 1953, he attended Iowa State University for two years studying ag engineering and training in the Army ROTC. On March 26, 1955, Charlie married Roxie May Smithson.
The family farmed in the area, and Charlie took up backhoe work. He did extensive work for Northwestern Bell Telephone/US West while continuing to farm. He installed many septic systems at Lake Panorama and the surrounding area.
Charlie was a lifelong follower of Christ. An ardent student of the Bible, he participated in and led countless Bible studies and taught Sunday School for many years.
Charlie approached life with a rare blend of warmth, wisdom and wit. Family was a cornerstone of his life, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted caregiver to his loving bride to his last days.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Roxie; two daughters, Beth (Marvin) Rasmussen and Lynelle (Norm) Diers; son, Brian Haden; grandchildren, Jarrod Diers, Jolyn Hartson, Micah Rasmussen and Miriam Mendoza; great-grandchildren, Noah and Brianna Diers, Sophia, Xander and Angel Diers, Mariah and Jordan Hartson, Isabella Mendoza, Ellyanna, Aliyah and Fynneas Rasmussen; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Saundra Boots and Sharon Mattke; brother, Melvin McCord; daughter, Lori; son, Greg; and grandson, Jeremy Diers.
A Celebration of Life was held March 1 at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Panora. A luncheon and procession to Pleasant Hill Cemetery followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
The family farmed in the area, and Charlie took up backhoe work. He did extensive work for Northwestern Bell Telephone/US West while continuing to farm. He installed many septic systems at Lake Panorama and the surrounding area.
Charlie was a lifelong follower of Christ. An ardent student of the Bible, he participated in and led countless Bible studies and taught Sunday School for many years.
Charlie approached life with a rare blend of warmth, wisdom and wit. Family was a cornerstone of his life, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted caregiver to his loving bride to his last days.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Roxie; two daughters, Beth (Marvin) Rasmussen and Lynelle (Norm) Diers; son, Brian Haden; grandchildren, Jarrod Diers, Jolyn Hartson, Micah Rasmussen and Miriam Mendoza; great-grandchildren, Noah and Brianna Diers, Sophia, Xander and Angel Diers, Mariah and Jordan Hartson, Isabella Mendoza, Ellyanna, Aliyah and Fynneas Rasmussen; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Saundra Boots and Sharon Mattke; brother, Melvin McCord; daughter, Lori; son, Greg; and grandson, Jeremy Diers.
A Celebration of Life was held March 1 at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Panora. A luncheon and procession to Pleasant Hill Cemetery followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.