Charles Alan "Chuck" Vredenburg was born January 23, 1955 in Albia, Iowa. At just 68 years of age, he passed away on December 1, 2023 after a sudden decline in his health. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 9th at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines.
Chuck was a skilled craftsman and painter. He worked for many years as the sign shop director at Hy-Vee Distribution Center in Cherokee, Iowa, where he raised his family. In 1989, Chuck moved to nearby Storm Lake to start his own business, Vredenburg Custom Signs. After many successful years in northwest Iowa, Chuck retired and moved to Des Moines in 2004. Not one to be idle, Chuck opted for a return to school and in 2010, enrolled at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, Rhode Island, fulfilling a lifelong dream to pursue the art of boatbuilding.
Upon his return to Iowa in 2012, Chuck settled on an acreage in Adel, where he constructed a boat shop and spent his remaining days honing his newfound craft. His most recent accomplishment was the complete renovation of a 1956 Century Coronado. Chuck will be remembered for his fervor for life and all its opportunity. He was spontaneous, funny, and always good company. Chuck never met a stranger, and his kindness and generosity were arguably his greatest attributes.
Chuck is survived by his wife Janelle; brother, John (Linda) and their children; sister, Martha (Mike) and her children; four children, Emily (Mike) Broderick, Brady (Andria) Vredenburg, Cullen Vredenburg, and John (Melissa) Vredenburg; nine loving grandchildren; his loyal dog, Fletch, and many friends and extended family members. Chuck was predeceased by his father Dwight Charles Vredenburg, mother Ruth Irene Taylor Vredenburg, sons Brandon Ray Vredenburg, Aaron Lance Vredenburg and nephew Colby Marc Vredenburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Furry Friends Refuge or Food Bank of Iowa, both organizations Chuck cared passionately for. Please visit www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for expressions of sympathy.
