Cathy Elizabeth Charlson of Lake Mills, Iowa passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Specialty Care Facility in Manly, Iowa. She leaves behind a husband of 57 years, John Charlson, three sons and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services for Cathy will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.
Following the burial at Salem Memorial Cemetery, everyone is invited to Ole’s Office, 205 N. Mill, Lake Mills, IA 50450 for lunch and fellowship.
Cathy was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on August 29, 1947. She graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1965 and attended cosmetology school in Des Moines before marrying John on June 3rd, 1967. Cathy and John spent their entire married life living in Lake Mills. She was a beautician, wife and a passionate sports mom rooting on her kids and grandkids.
Her surviving family includes her husband, John of Lake Mills. Son, Jeff and wife Brooke who live in Bentonville, Arkansas and two grandchildren, Kathryn (25) and Jack (22). Son, Ryan and wife Stef who live in Story City, Iowa and two grandchildren, Ava (21) and Ali (18). Son, Lee and wife Kelly who live in St. Charles, Illinois and three grandchildren, Harper (16), Sylvie (14) and Clayton (11).
Cathy is also survived by a younger sister, Nancy Braden and her husband Dan from Glidden, Iowa and younger brother, Jim Gertsen and his wife Deb from Lake Mills, Iowa.
Cathy loved to travel and would drag John along on many cruises and trips throughout their marriage. They were also always traveling to see their kids and grandkids throughout the country. She loved to shop at her favorite stores. John, family and friends spent a lot of time waiting for her to find things she couldn’t live without.
Cathy lived life to her fullest and she leaves behind a family that knew how proud she was of them and how much she loved them. She leaves behind friends and family that miss her and were glad to have her a part of their lives. She was an active participant for many years in card club with her friends. As her children were growing up camping, boating and bowling were some of her favorite pastimes.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Elton & Maxine Gertsen of Lake Mills, IA.
schottfuneralhomes.com