Charles E. MacDonald

Chuck MacDonald, age 56, of Storm Lake, Iowa died September 1, 2010 at his home in Storm Lake. Chuck to friends, Mac to fellow law enforcement and Charley to family, was born November 11, 1953 at Sculthorpe Air Force Base in Norfolk, England to Conrad K and Carla B (Hosier) MacDonald. Chuckâ€™s early elementary years were in Kezar Falls, Maine and then Pocahontas, Iowa before moving to Plover, Iowa. After graduating from Havelock-Plover High School, Chuck moved to Storm Lake working as a full time fireman for 13 months. Chuckâ€™s father â€œMacâ€ had been a fire chief in Maine and in Plover. Living above the City Hall, Chuck became friends with police officers so it was an easy transition to that department where he served for 27 years. During that tenure, he spent several years as an EMT and part time for Buena Vista County Hospital. A number of people owe their lives to that training over the years. Chuck was specially trained in arson investigation and explosive investigation. He volunteered many hours in support of building the new police station. Chuck spent many hours researching the names of persons who had served as police officers in Storm Lake by using city minutes and library records from old newspapers. The result was a plaque at the police station listing the names he found. When asked why he was a police officer he stated, â€œMy goal was always to try to help.â€ In true â€œMacâ€ fashion he also stated, â€œI worked with some of the best people in the world and a couple of the worst.â€ Chuck enjoyed his church family at Lakeside Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder, Deacon, and many years on Property Usage Commissions. The Boy Scouts of America became a very important part of Chuckâ€™s life. He was an assistant Scout Master of Troop 103, a District Chairman of Thundercloud District, a Committee Member of Park 104 and Troop 103, a Wood Badge Support Staff as an owl patrol member for Mid America Council. He assisted in the joining of Prairie Gold Council to Mid America Council to ensure that the scouting program would continue locally. While a police officer, â€œMacâ€ attended classes at Iowa Central Community College in spite of a difficult schedule. He graduated with an Associate Degree with honors. Chuck married Kay Smith on March 6, 1976 to whom he was a very loving and faithful husband for 34 years. They were official and unofficial foster parents to a number of special young people. Chuck and Kay were very blessed with one son, Ian David MacDonald. Chuck loved living in Emerald Park where he accepted Evelyn Block into his family as a dear friend. Special thanks to her children, David and Kay for sharing such a wonderful lady. Chuck is survived by his wife, Kay of Storm Lake; son, Ian (Laura) of Thornton, CO; father-in-law, Mansel Smith of Newell, IA; siblings: Catherine (Paul) Travers of Parkton, MD; Connie (Charles-Chip) Cooper of Paroli, PA; Claudia (Mike) Dodge of Colorado Springs, CO; Carl MacDonald of Colorado Springs, CO; Cheryl (Gavin) Gutridge of Papillion, NE; Colin MacDonald of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, Max (Joyce) Smith of Mount Ayr, IA; several nieces and nephews; cousins: Ray Dumire and Jeanie Buck Koehler; aunts, Barbara Kehe; Jan (Fred) Iler; Cindy (Roger) Berube; and very special neighbors: Jack (Sally) Kooker who helped Chuck with his cancer battle; The Brown family of Peterson, Iowa who included Chuck in their group. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, â€œMacâ€ and Carla; infant sister, Coralee; mother-in-law, Wonda Smith; and good friends, Beth Rouse and Evelyn Block.

Charles E. MacDonald

November 11, 1953 - September 1, 2010