Charly Erpelding

Charly Jane Erpelding (Char), 18 of Davenport, IA went to heaven on Monday October 10, 2022. Charly’s passing was peaceful and, on her terms, just as she lived her life. She was in her home surrounded by those she held dear……. her loving parents, her brother, friends, and family.  Charly’s visitation will be Saturday, October 15th, from 2pm to 7pm at the Bettendorf High School Gymnasium.  The Funeral will be Sunday October 16th, at 2pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bettendorf, IA. 

Charly was born on October 29, 2003, in Overland Park, KS to ecstatic parents Andy and Tara Erpelding. They moved to Des Moines where her loving brother Will was soon born. After a very brief time out of state, Charly and her family moved back to Bettendorf and knew they were home. Charly attended Hoover Elementary where she excelled and developed many lifelong friendships. Charly was compassionate and kind to everyone she met. Her path took a sharp turn when she was 8 years old, and that’s when the entire community joined her on her journey through life.

Charly described herself as an old soul that grew up quickly. She loved learning, hanging out with friends, and helping as many people as she could. Her leadership qualities were evident at an early age. She was recognized many times in junior high and high school for her great accomplishments. Charly qualified for the National History Day national competition and represented Bettendorf Middle School in Washington DC. She was a winner of the coveted Wayne Cheramy award for responsibility, caring, respect, and community, and made the honor roll every semester. Charly’s love of learning and serving others carried into high school. This is where she truly blossomed. In addition to playing volleyball and running track for a few years, Charly became the President of the BHS National Honor Society, a founder and leader of the BHS Sell crew, and a mentor to at risk children. Charly earned the seal of biliteracy in Spanish/English and was a member of student council. She graduated from Bettendorf High School on the high honor roll and gave the commencement speech at graduation. The speech will be referenced and remembered for years to come. Charly’s senior superlative as voted by her senior class was “Best All Around”.

Outside of school, Charly was committed to living life to its fullest with family and friends always close by her side. She loved working part time at Nothing Bundt Cakes. Due to her bright smile and contagious happiness, she was a customer favorite. Her love and knowledge of all things Harry Potter, which she shared with her dad and brother, were legendary. She loved the countless family trips they made to Universal Studios for Harry Potter ride openings. They all had a wonderful time on their trip to London to visit the Harry Potter movie studio and attend the London premiere of the play “Cursed Child”.

In addition to Charly’s ever-present glow, she was also stylish and trendy. She loved shopping with her mom and was known for her own unique style of comfort with just a touch of flare. The way she carried herself and her presence was infectious to all who met her.

In the last year of her life, Charly was proud to have been elected the 2021 BHS Homecoming Queen, she was accepted to the University of Iowa where she wanted to become a nurse practitioner and was accepted as a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Although her life was short by the definition of time, she loved more and lived happier than most who live far longer. Charly’s personality was always bright, her beautiful eyes were unforgettable, and she was always smiling. She loved spending time with her mom and dad and brother, her many cousins, an abundance of friends, and her dogs and cat. Charly loved living in this community and her light shone far and wide for all to see and experience. Her toughness is legendary. Her presence is forever etched in this community. Her life, and how she lived it, is a model for all who knew her. She will never be forgotten.

At the visitation on Saturday October 15th, the family requests guests wear something comfortable that they feel represents Charly. The color yellow, Cheerin’ for Charly, BHS, Hawkeye, Packers were some of her favorites.

Charly was preceded in death by her grandmother, Patti Erpelding.

Charly is survived by her parents Andy and Tara Erpelding, brother Will. Grandparents Jerry and Dee Dee Awbrey and George Erpelding. Aunts and Uncles:  Heidi (TJ) Behning, Tim (Theresa) Erpelding, Tina (Jim) Hoefer, Tancy (Vern) Lukehart, Terrie (Ed) Stald, Tammy (Jason) Tucker. Many Cousins: Tia (Kendall) Henson, Taren (Chase) Bowen, Aubrey (Logan) Vinklarek, Mackenzie (Tyler) Englehardt, Anna (Kelton) Morrow, Max (Maddi) Erpelding, Nick Hoefer, Hailey Behning (Shawn Rasmussen), Madison Hoefer, Trey Lukehart, Grace Erpelding, Jackson Lukehart, Carley Behning, Maggie Erpelding, Baylie Stald, Ellie Erpelding, Grant Stald, and Hunter Behning. Godparents Jim and Susie Svoboda.

Charly’s family would like to offer a special thank you to the Pediatric Oncology team at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, specifically Mary Schlapkohl and Dr. David Gordon and the many amazing nurses that cared for her. Also, Dr. Brian Van Tine and his clinical team at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Special thanks to the Genesis Infusion Center and Promedica (Heartland) Hospice for providing unwavering compassionate care. We would also like to thank Bettendorf High School, Kristy Cleppe, staff, and students. Finally, thank you to the many faithful supporters of Charly over the past 11 years.

Memorials may be made in Charly’s name to Washington University/Siteman Cancer Center

Memo Line: Dr. Brain Van Tine Sarcoma Research Fund

Mail to: Washington University in St. Louis

Attn: Dr. Brian Van Tine

660 S. Euclid Avenue

Campus Box: 8076-0041-03

St. Louis, MO 63110