MASON CITY — Charles “Chuck” Gene Barnish Jr., 51, of Mason City, died September 7, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Per Chuck’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Chuck was born August 13, 1975, in Mason City, the son of Charles Barnish Sr. and Pamela Boster. He attended Mason City schools and graduated from Mason City Alternative School.
Although Chuck lived in a few different places during his life, Mason City always remained home. It was where he grew up, built friendships and made many of the memories that stayed with him throughout his life.
Chuck spent much of his working career in construction, primarily as a drywaller. He was known as someone who could figure things out and was comfortable working with his hands.
That practical side was matched by a strong creative streak.
Chuck enjoyed drawing, sketching and painting and even experimented with amateur tattoo artistry. He also had an interest in computers, gadgets and technology and enjoyed learning how things worked.
Away from work, Chuck liked fishing and riding his bike. In his younger years, he also had an interest in wrestling, taekwondo and boxing.
Those closest to Chuck, however, are likely to remember his personality most of all.
He was goofy, funny and never short on confidence or charm. He could bring laughter into a room without trying and had a way of making people feel comfortable around him.
Chuck could strike up a conversation with almost anyone and often treated strangers like friends he simply had not met yet.
He wore his heart on his sleeve, spoke his mind and was never afraid to be himself. Family members remember him as open-minded and nonjudgmental, someone who preferred to look for the good in people rather than their faults.
His humor, creativity and unmistakable personality left an impression on the people around him.
Chuck is survived by his parents, Pam (Gary) Stemmerman and Charles Sr. (Linda) Barnish; children, Delilah “Alexis” (Jordan) Adams, Rachel Barnish, Jaremy (Emily) Barnish and Ashley Barnish; and grandchildren Ruben, Molly, Nikko, Ava, Paisley, Logan, Layla, Avery, Alex, Zander, Parker, Autumn and Cain.
He is also survived by his siblings, Christina Barnish, Mike Myers (Jamie Samson), Tiffany (Seth) Townsend and Dr. Cory Barnish; nieces and nephews Zach, Hayley, Michael, Gracelynn, McKenzie, Abby, Kaylee, Chloe, Noah and Saylor; special aunt Beth Boster; and many extended family members, cousins and friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his daughter, Krista Ward; his maternal and paternal grandparents; aunt Trisha Barnish; and cousin Joshua Barnish.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel is caring for Chuck and his family. To read the complete obituary or leave a remembrance for Chuck’s family, please click here.
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