To Cathy and the Reed Family,

I’m Dan Garms. You may not recognize my name, but I knew Chuck during my time at Fulton Elementary. He was more than just a teacher to me, particularly after the tragic loss of my brother in the summer of 1963. As my math and gym teacher, and also my coach in football, basketball, and track, he consistently brought out the best in all of us. During that challenging period in my life, Chuck sensed the profound grief within our family and often went above and beyond to offer his support.

A cherished memory I hold is of Cathy secretly coming into our classroom to draw a birthday cake on the chalkboard for Chuck’s 25th, urging us to keep her visit a secret. Another memorable moment was during a football practice when Chuck advised some boys outside our schoolyard against smoking in our presence, a gesture that has played a pivotal role in my decision to never smoke.

Later, I had the chance to meet both him and Cathy while visiting Dubuque. To my surprise, I found Chuck smoking. We shared a lighthearted moment when I recounted his previous advice to me at Fulton Elementary.

Chuck’s profound influence led me to coach two of my sons in youth football. Even after they grew up, I continued coaching, always channeling Chuck’s inspiring methods. I aimed to be as uplifting as he was, seeking out kids in need of encouragement, much like he did for me. My coaching style is a tribute to Chuck, as I’ve always aspired to be as motivational to young minds as he was to mine. I hold immense love and respect for Chuck Reed and feel privileged to have known such a remarkable man. He genuinely shaped my life.

I’m deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and may you find solace in celebrating the wonderful life he led.

Warmly,
Dan Garms

   Just went thru the Photo / Memories, Chuck was blessed with such a great family and vast amounts of friends... What an outstanding life he had, I will not be sad when I remember him as he gave / had so much Love, Joy and Fun... with everyone. 
That's how I'll remember him.
   I've thought about the lessons Chuck let me have, like when he carefully hauled their new boat from Iowa to Victoria without a scratch, then allowed me ( I was 15 ? 16 ? ) to cut a 2" hole in the bottom of the hull and fiberglass a sonar tube in for his Depth sounder ? Now, as I'm 60, I still can't believe he said I could do it.  He must of been concerned ? ! but did not show it, just trusted and encouraged.  
   Sending Love and remembering the Fun
   
   

Chuck hired me to teach a rowdy fifth grade class of 34 students at Marshall School in Dubuque fifty years ago. That was my first year of teaching. I spent seven wonderful years working for Chuck and the students and families of The Point district, Peru Road, John Deere Road, and Daytonville.

Chuck provided me with great latitude and awesome support. I always knew he was "behind me" and backing me up.

Kathy went out of her way to find Julia, Nathan, and me our first apartment in Dubuque so we wouldn't have to make an extra trip from central Nebraska to locate our first home. It rented for, to us, the unimaginably-high cost of $150/month, furnished!!!  We lived in that apartment for five years.

The wonderful city of Dubuque was our home for 48 years. What marvelous memories.  I'll always be grateful to Chuck for taking a chance on me, trusting me, and opening a new world of opportunities for our family in Iowa and Dubuque.

We are so saddened to hear of the loss of the love of your life, Chuck.  We really enjoyed the short visit we had in Mt. Dora for Easter brunch with Julia and Dennis too.  Our deepest condolences to your family at this difficult time.  Blessings!  
Larry and Jeanine Lochner



My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Reed, one of my most memorable Principal's from grade school.  I recall (fondly, mind you) when I was sent to his office because I was being a naughty kindergartner and Mr. Reed had gotten permission from my parents to spank me (ah, the good 'ole days!).  LOL!  I do not recall a spanking but just having to go to his office was enough and I didn't have any more issues after this.   I am sharing this because I want his family to know that I believe he made a positive impression in my life at young age and I know he was one of the good guys - he always had that twinkle in his eye!   God bless him and his loved ones.  

Sadly writing this memory of Chuck. The years of summers we spent together, are cherished, and our family lived for the Reeds to come down our driveway in Victoria, B.C.  The first night was a night out on the town for Chuck Kathy Gerry and Clarice.at the Irish Pub, The Wig and Dickie Inn. Chuck always sang his Iowa Corn song for us that night.  Oh the fun.
We headed up to Miracle Beach with boats in tow and our  kids. Gayle, Glen , Jim, and Kristin and Chip  (age 2 )We fished and had camp fires and sang songs,  watched the stars at night. His coffee was the best "grule"  on the beach and his campfire was always on at 7am. 
Our card games, exploring Islands looking for fossils or  Porfray rocks, learning about all sea life, golf games, and fishing in open seas bringing home lots of fish.  We became family. 
Chuck will be missed very much. I personally would wait for his Christmas card each year as Chuck wrote a long letter each Christmas for 25 years. I have kept most for his family.  He wrote the best letters and it was a part of our Christmas to receive this. We all sat glued to the letter. We all  loved him so very much and will miss him.  
Sail on Chuck, your fishing rod has caught the big one.  
Lovingly, Clarice Stewart and THE STEWART FAMILY



Chuck, was a good friend of my brother, Wayne.  I have fond memories of rooming with him at our golf outings in Falcon Head.
We were able to share a few stories, but not too many because he'd fall a sleep if the stories got too long.
Meredith and my sympathy goes out to the family.

Jim Phillips

OBITUARY

Charles "Chuck" W. Reed

May 2, 1934 – October 11, 2021

Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center

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