Des Moines
Charles A. Brownell, 73, went home to Jesus Christ on July 19, 2016 after a long battle with respiratory disease. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a rosary at 7 p.m.
Charles was born September 13, 1942 to Paul and Marguerite (Haluska) Brownell in Des Moines. He worked for Union Pacific, Chicago Northwestern, and Rock Island Railroads until his retirement after 42 years and he enjoyed it until the very end. Charles loved Jesus, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his grandkids.
He is survived by five children, Charles (Kristen) Brownell, Emily (Jeff) Theis, Andrea (Brad) Daugherty, Debbie (Shane) Stewart, and Hallie Plumb; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Marilyn) Brownell; longtime companion, Lori (Ahlberg) Brownell; and his first wife, Judy (Anderson) DeFord. Charles is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mike Brownell; sister, Judy James; and lifelong friend, Nancy Leuschner.
Memorials may be directed to St. Ambrose or the American Lung Association.
