Charles "Chuck" P Havener

Charles “Chuck” Paul Havener was born on November 26, 1932, in rural Mahaska County, Iowa, the oldest of seven children of Orin and Opal (Bruere) Havener. He passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.

He began his education in Tracy, Iowa, continued in Oskaloosa, and graduated from Bussey High School in 1951. In his senior year of high school, he attended Bussey Methodist Church and met his future wife, Barbara “Jane” Tucker.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1951 to 1955, including two years at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska as an aircraft electrician, and one year as an electrical instructor at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, ending his enlistment as a Staff Sergeant. Shortly before his discharge, he and Jane were married in Bussey, Iowa, on May 1, 1955.

Chuck then attended Iowa State College from 1955 to 1959, followed by ten years of teaching industrial arts and driver’s education in Ames Community Schools. During their 14 years in Ames, their four daughters were born, and Chuck earned a Master of Education degree at Iowa State University.

He left teaching in 1969 to pursue a new role in project management with mechanical contractors, working on major projects. That career took them across the Midwest for the next 25 years.

In 1994, Chuck and Jane returned to their home state of Iowa and settled in DeWitt, home of his brother Don and family. He launched “Hired Hand,” providing handyman services for over 200 customers in the area.

Chuck was a loving husband and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was marked by a deep love for his family and strong ties that were foundational as the family grew. He especially valued traditions like family gatherings, travel, and camping, including many years at the Iowa State Fair—a dream of Jane’s.

Chuck had a quiet but steadfast devotion to Jesus Christ, expressed through regular worship and service to his church, family, and community. His faith inspired practical acts of service, including many years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

In 2018, as Jane faced cognitive decline, Chuck moved them to Peoria, Illinois, to be near their daughter Jan for support. Over the next seven years, Chuck devoted himself to Jane’s care until his final weeks. She was his greatest earthly treasure. His oft-spoken words to her were, “I love you, Jane. You're my sweetheart.”

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jane; four daughters: Gwen (Atallah) Sayegh, Jan (Brian) Livingston, Jill Attleson, and Beth (Dan) Lors; seven grandchildren: Munir (Sandra) Sayegh, Nathan (Alyssa) Sayegh, David (Steffi) Livingston, Daniel (Kaity) Livingston, Geoff (Katy) Attleson, Kara (Jonathan) Thomas, and Miranda (Johann) Schattenforst; seventeen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Billie Jean Wilfong and Peggy Ellen Taylor; and one brother, Donald E. (Connie) Havener.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jane Ann Kisling; his brother, Jerry Lee; his son-in-law, Peter Attleson; and many beloved relatives.

A private family service will be held.

Memorial contributions in Chuck’s honor may be made to your local church, if desired.