Charles Whetstine

Kalona-Charles Whetstine was born on his grandparents’ farm near What Cheer, Iowa on July 11, 1941 to Oral and Arlene Ulin. He was later adopted by Merle Whetstine, Arlene's second husband. He grew up in Wellman but often spent summers on the farm where he was born. He enlisted in the Army in 1959 and served until 1962. 

Charles married Susan Ann Anderson in 1964, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. They were blessed with three children, Jeffrey (Angela Klein), Christopher (Anita), and Cynde (Todd Stonebarger), five grandchildren, Ryan Bunting, Mercedes Wise, Lucas and Elijah Kane, and Johnny Kessler and six great grandchildren, Dylan, Harvey, Ryder, Greyson, Vivian and Harper.

He retired from Lear Corporation in 2004, where he was employed for 38 years. He held many roles during his career, and was proud to be in a position to help many people. He and Susan enjoyed a nice retirement, and were able to take many trips to Europe, and South America. They particularly loved traveling to the Oregon coast, dining on Mo's clam chowder at every opportunity. 

Charles was a loving, caring, and kind person who loved his family above all. He loved all sports, especially Hawkeye wrestling, football and women's basketball. He was a Chicago Bears and Cubs fan until they started charging to watch them on TV. That was a deal breaker.

 He was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Arlene Whetstine, his brother John and sister-in-law Carroll, his sister Sandra Thompson and brother-in-law Tom, brothers-in-law Gary Hubler and John Kau, and daughter-in-law Kathy.

He donated his body to the University of Iowa to be used for research. Visitation will be from 9-11am Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Sharon Center United Methodist Church, 2804 520th St. SW, Kalona, Iowa. A memorial service immediately follows. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Washington County https://hospicewc.com/giving/. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com