April 26, 1938 – January 3, 2026
Charles Bruce Holcomb, 87, of Algona, Iowa, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on January 3, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Algona. Funeral services for Charles will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2 pm at Algona Evangelical Free Church in Algona, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed via Lentz Funeral Home’s website: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/edit_event/event/charles-holcomb. Interment will take place at a later date at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Services are entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Algona.
Charles’ earthly train has come to rest, and he has stepped into eternity.
The Locomotive (Engine)
Charles Bruce Holcomb, the son of Chester and Nita (Clay) Holcomb, was born on April 26, 1938, in Anamosa, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm near Morley, Iowa, and graduated from Morley High School in 1956, where he served as class treasurer. After his father’s passing, Charles assumed responsibility for the family farm the summer following his graduation.
A Second Engine Joined the Train
Charles met the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Smith, when he stopped to help her change a flat tire. They were married on October 9, 1960, at Monticello Evangelical and Reformed Church in Monticello, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work on the family farm, where they raised three children, a son and two daughters.
Rolling Stock (Cars/Wagons) Added Along the Way
Charles devoted many years to farming, primarily raising swine until 1982. He employed many young men over the years, all of whom respected and appreciated “Charlie” for his fairness, kindness, and integrity. He was known as a hardworking and generous man who deeply loved God’s creation, especially the animals entrusted to his care.
He delighted in simple blessings – a hearty meal of meat and potatoes, always dessert (especially his favorite chocolate chip cake with Cool Whip), and a cold Pepsi close at hand.
After his years in farming, Charles continued working diligently in a variety of roles, including a swine operation, a seed corn company, owning a roofing business, selling automobiles, working at Lowe’s, performing maintenance for a mid-size apartment complex, and finally working for Bob at UBC (United Building Center) in Algona, before retiring in his mid-70s.
Charles came to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. He desired that his family walk with Christ and be rooted in the truth of Scripture. Over the years, Charles faithfully served as a member of several churches, including helping to establish two congregations as a charter member. He was a current member of Algona Evangelical Free Church, where he also served as a deacon.
The Caboose
Charles had a lifelong love for model trains and dedicated an entire room in his home to creating intricate train layouts. He found great joy in sharing this hobby with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking, designing, and fixing things, truly living out the gift of a “Mr. Fix-It.”
He had a deep appreciation for God’s creation and especially loved the Colorado Rockies. He would spend hours studying maps, poring over atlases and books, tracing roads, mountain ranges, and places he had been and places he dreamed of seeing.
Fishing became a treasured pastime, whether at local fishing spots or with friends in Okoboji. He also faithfully cheered for his favorite football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, even in a family full of Cyclone fans.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 65 years, Bonnie; his children, C. Robert (Susan) Holcomb of Marshall, MN; Mary (Brent) Hulstein of Orange City, IA; and Susan (Michael) Hommez of Algona, IA; grandchildren Charles (Olivia) Holcomb of Courtland, MN; Rebecca Hommez of Minneapolis, MN; Katherine Holcomb of Marshall, MN; Caleb (Sarah) Hommez of Kansas City, KS; Heather Hulstein of Ames, IA; Hannah and Amanda Hulstein of Orange City, IA; Gerrit Hulstein of Sioux Center, IA; and great-grandchildren Charles “CJ”, Damon, and Zane Holcomb of Courtland, MN.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
In honor of Charles, memorials may be directed to the Algona Evangelical Free Church.
lentzfuneralhome.com