Charles J. Althoff

Charles J. Althoff, 86, of Cascade, died Thursday, August 8, 2019, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at St. Raphael Cathedral with Fr Greg Bahl officiating.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 12 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 4 pm.

He was born on May 10, 1933, in Cascade, the son of Frank and Vivian (Laban) Althoff.  He married Geraldine (Casel) on August 24, 1957 at St Lawrence Church, Otter Creek, Iowa. 

Charles worked at John Deere in Dubuque repairing tractors and also farmed.  He was an Army veteran, serving our country during the Korean Conflict.  Charles was a member of the American Legion 528, and the Farm Bureau.

Charles enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren   He enjoyed traveling with his wife Geri, watching westerns on TV, antique tractors, going to the Amana’s for lunch, and Christmas with his family (he was always the first one ready to open presents).  Charles was a kind, considerate, and generous man who maintained a positive attitude throughout his life. His smile and his strength will continue to be an influence on all of us.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Geraldine; three children: Steve Althoff, Theresa (Dennis) Balk, and Mike (Kathy) Althoff; five grandchildren: Matthew (Morgan) Balk, Courtney Althoff, Rachel Balk, Caitlyn (Nick) Miller and Abigail Balk; two great-grandchildren: Forrest Charles Balk and Charlie Marie Miller; his two sisters Geraldine (Frank) Kintzle and Kathy (Jack) Graham; brother-in laws Robert Kirsch, Paul (Jeanette) Casel and Ronald Dzaboff; and sister-in-law Marge Althoff and Mary Jane (Kenny) Bahr.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Julie Ann Althoff (1959); his siblings Virginia Dzaboff, Elaine Kirsch, Edwin Althoff, Clarence Althoff; sister-in-law MaryAnn Althoff; and nephew Ted Althoff.

Charles’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dr. Matthew Kirkendall and his nurse Kate, Dr. Jennifer Schope, and the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their loving, compassionate and professional care. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.