Charles Hunter (1944-2024) Charles Eugene Hunter, 79, of Pella, IA, passed away at Comfort House in Pella on October 16, 2024.

He was born in Waterloo, IA, in 1944, to Mervin and Ida May Hunter. He grew up on the family farm outside of Jesup, IA, where he established a strong work ethic and love for family and the Lord. He had many adventures with his brothers, Richard and Robert, setting the stage for his adventurous life.

Charles met Cheryl at a party scavenger hunt which began their lifelong love. They married in 1967 in Waterloo and celebrated their milestone anniversaries in unique places, with Salzburg, Austria, holding a special connection. Charles and Cheryl loved each other dearly and he loved to be with her. From this loving union came two children, Tim and Trisha, whom they loved dearly and modeled for them how to love Jesus and others well. He was Uncle Charley to his four nieces and nephews, and adored each of his 15 grandchildren.

Charles went on to become a lifelong educator and learner. He taught at Clinton High School (Clinton, IA) for nearly three decades, before going overseas to teach at American School of Milan, Italy, Yokohama International School in Yokohama, Japan, American School of Doha, Qatar, and Taejon Christian International School in Taejon, Korea, before returning to Qatar as Science Consultant for the Supreme Education Council. After he retired, the Hunters made their home in Keokuk, IA, and Pella. Charles had a passion for teaching and loved the challenges of educating the next generation. He is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a caring influence who always had time for them and not only helped them learn difficult concepts, but gave them a passion to discover more. He taught many this philosophy of learning through the phrase, "Teach me. I want to learn!"

Along with his son, Charles created Hunter and Son Professional Landscape Services and served many in the Clinton area for many years. His love for trees and botany continued with sizable Japanese gardens in Keokuk and Pella and developing one of the most extensive collection of Ginkgo varieties in the United States. Charles enjoyed exchanging grafts and scions with ginkgo enthusiasts from around the world. His work will be posthumously carried on with the Hunter Ginkgo Collection at the University of Iowa.

Charles and Cheryl loved to travel together and also to open their home to guests from around the world. Most importantly, Charles loved Jesus and wanted to be more like Him. He was known for his kindness and patience with others, his insight and wisdom, and his unending pursuit of knowledge. He will be greatly missed but his hope is now sight.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert. His is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two children and their spouses, Tim (Carrie) Hunter and Trisha (Eric) Reschly; brother, Richard; 15 grandchildren, Jacob (Taylor), Will, Kaylin, Joshua, Caleb, Alexandra, Hattush, Jehosheba, Nahum, Baruch, Yoveil, David, Emiana, and Baby Hunter (due Dec. 2024).

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Charles at 10:30am on Saturday, October 26th, at Liberty Evangelical Free Church in Pella. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, October 25th, from 4-7pm with the family present, and committal will precede the service on Saturday at 9:30am at Oak Wood Cemetery in Pella. Praise God for the gift of Charles Hunter to the world!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a memorial tree in Charley's honor.