Charles F. Leavens age 92 of Clinton, IA passed away Wednesday May 10, 2023 at The Alverno Healthcare Facility, Clinton. Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 17th from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at Tuscany Room at Rastrelli’s, Clinton. Burial will follow at Lusk Memorial Cemetery in Albany, IL. Memorials may be given to Mercy Hospice. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Charles was born on May 12, 1930 in Thomson, IL, the son of Charles S. and Norma (Holcomb) Leavens. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1948, where he was class Valedictorian. Charles served in the US Army from 1951-1953 serving during the Korean Conflict. He married Helen Sikkema on September 11, 1953 in Albany, IL. She passed away in 2019. Charles worked as an industrial mechanic on engines and machine maintenance with implement dealers, Nitrin, Chemplex, Millwright Local 2158, and Ralston Purina, where he retired in 1993. After retirement, he owned and operated a small business overhauling small engines and farm tractors. He could fix anything that ran, making his own parts if needed.
Charles enjoyed the Mississippi River, fishing, working from his garage, and visiting with friends about farming and politics. Family was very important to Chuck. He was always willing to share his skills and knowledge with anyone who was interested. He learned how to live off the land from his childhood, raising melons with his dad and that continued with his gardening skills and his love to find that berry patch that would make fabulous jelly.
Charles is survived by his three daughters, Charlotte (Dave) Daehler of Thomson, IL, Karen Herrig of Camanche, IA, and Janice (Herb) Benshoof of Nineveh, IN; seven grandchildren, Lynne (Garth) Simeon, Janine (Jordan) Zantingh, Beth (Ian) Knutsen, Krista (Brian) Deur, Kari (Eric) Dyjak, Allison Benshoof, and Ryan (Natalie) Benshoof;
eight great grandchildren, Myleigh, Madelyn, Charlie, Avary, Austin, Norah, Atticus, and Ronin; sister-in-law’s, Phyllis Sikkema and Patsy Titus; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, daughter Lorna, two brothers, three sisters, and a son-in-law, Adam.
Charlotte, Karen, and Janice, your father was a good man. I’ll always remember him as someone who had useful advice for a growing boy. How to light a charcoal grill, the proper footwear for lawn mowing, or what to watch out for when handling snapping turtles, he always had safety in mind. He left a good impression on me, and I remember and mention him anytime I pass along his lessons.
Thanks Scott for your kind words. My dad taught all of us about the world outside the “city” of Clinton. My mom used to talk about the day you fell while riding your bike and how she helped with your wounds. We are the lucky ones growing up with caring adults who made sure we stayed out of trouble. Thanks for reaching out and hope our paths cross soon.
Chuck Leavens was and will remain one of the most significant individuals I have met in my lifespace. I will never forget him nor the amazing moments I spent with him, his lovely wife Helen, and their amazing daughters Char, Karen, and Jan. In any moment, he was engaging, mesmerizing, charismatic, and charming. My thoughts are with Char, Karen, and Jan and their families at this time. Bill Dawson