Charles E. Devens

Long time Iowa Hawkeye Superfan Charles (Chuck) Edward Devens passed away on July 11, 2020 at 94 years of age, with his wife Jan and their kids nearby at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Chuck was born on September 10, 1925 to Charles William Devens and Elsie (Boyack) Devens in Independence Iowa.  He was proceeded in death by parents and his sister Carole Kelly and her husband Jim. Those left behind to cherish his memory include: his loving wife of 67 years,  Janice (Schmitt) Devens of Dubuque, IA and their five children Debbie (Rick) Christenson of Winona, MN, Greg (Diana) Devens of Bellevue, IA, David Devens and friend Julie Henley of Iowa City, IA, Charles William aka-Bill (Joy) Devens of Fort Collins, CO and Julie (Randy) Schmidt of Flossmoor, IL.  

Chuck was born and raised in Independence, Iowa and graduated Independence High School in 1942 and went into the Navy V6 Officer Training Program.  He spent 2.5 years in the service training to become a pilot and finished when the war ended. He returned to Iowa to complete his college education at the University of Iowa and started his lifetime love of all things Hawkeye. He married Janice Lee Schmitt on October 20, 1952 in Independence and he worked in the Paint business for several years before coming back to Independence in 1959 to buy and operate the family business, Devens Paint and Glass, for over 30 years. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed hunting mushrooms, fishing in Minnesota and Canada with his family and playing cards with anyone he could, especially Kings Corner and 500.  He learned the art of tomato growing from his father and was an avid vegetable gardener all his life. Chuck was an animal lover and enjoyed the many cats and dogs the family had over the years.  He also loved the opportunities he and Jan had to travel and spend time in Florida after retirement.  Chuck was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Abby, Aaron, Holly, Michelle, Lena, Thomas, Nicole, Hannah, John, Chase, and Jason; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jace, Lincoln and Owen.

Chuck cheered his Hawkeyes on from Stonehill for 9 and ½ years where he was so well cared for. We are so grateful for the kind staff there for keeping him safe and happy during his last months while separated from Jan.  On game days, Chuck put on his Hawkeye Shirt, Hat and held his hand over his heart during the game to cheer them on. He loved his Hawks!

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in his memory to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund, Donations can be made at Givetoiowa.org, choose Healthcare, and then choose the Children’s Hospital Fund.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date. 

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