MASON CITY — Charles F. “Charlie” Sanders, 61, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded during his final weeks by the love and support of his family.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Charlie loved to laugh and took equal joy in making others laugh. He brought humor into everyday moments, frequently quoted lines from his favorite Sylvester Stallone movies and enjoyed reminiscing about old times and the people who shaped his life.
Above all, Charlie loved his family. He cherished his wife, Michelle, and took tremendous pride in his children, Mariah, Julie and Jeremiah. His grandchildren, Blake, Nathanial and Niklaus, held an especially treasured place in his heart.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Charlie appreciated the traditions, stories and family connections that came with it. He loved cooking, enjoying good food and going out to eat with those closest to him. Trips to the Iowa State Fair were another favorite pastime and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Charlie also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Lino. A devoted football fan, he proudly followed the Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas City Chiefs.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Sanders and Charlene Andreano-Day.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; children, Mariah Wissmiller, Julie Hurley and her husband, Kyle, and Jeremiah Sanders; grandchildren, Blake, Nathanial and Niklaus; siblings, Joe Kernen and his wife, Lisa, Terie Sanders, Denise Wilson and her husband, Pete, Dianna Bucher and her husband, Gary, Armando Burriola and his wife, Tina, Jennifer Sanders, and Amy Hollingshead and her husband, Thad; along with other relatives and friends.
Charlie will be remembered for his laughter, stories, devotion to his family and the many memories he created with those he loved.
The complete obituary and an online guestbook are available through Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory.
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