Charles L. “Charlie” Ostert, 83, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at home.

Charles L. Ostert was born on May 2, 1941 in Clay Mills, Jones County, Iowa, to Henry R. and Maudie M. (Ralston) Ostert.  He was a 1959 graduate of Andrew High School and then served his country in the U.S Navy earning an honorable discharge.

Following his military service, he settled in Massachusetts for eleven years.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Zulma I. “Sue” Rosario.  They were married on September 1, 1973 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

In 1977, Charlie and Sue made the decision to move back to Charlie’s hometown in Iowa, where Charlie began his career at Red Jacket in Davenport. As a Quality Control Manager, he dedicated 25 years to the company before retiring. His commitment to excellence and his strong work ethic were admired by all who worked alongside him.  In 1982, Charlie and Sue bought an 80-acre farm and farmed it until they sold it in 2012 to spend winters in Arizona.

Charlie was a man of faith and a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew.  He was also a man of many interests, including a passion for fishing, mushroom hunting, and a love for the thrill of the auction. He also loved his pets.  His dog Niño, and his pigeon, ChiChi.  He found ChiChi as a chick when he was cleaning out the church bell tower in 2002.  ChiChi lived to be 22 yrs old.  Charlie’s hobbies brought him joy and provided cherished memories for his family and friends.

Those left to honor his memory include his devoted wife, Zulma “Sue” Ostert of Maquoketa, IA; his children, Amy (David) Masterson of Maquoketa, IA, Richard (Kris) Gherardi of Middleboro, MA, Karen (Keith) O’Connell of Plymouth, MA, Scott (Kelli) Ostert of Sun Prairie, WI, Cheryl (Adam) Nemmers of Lowden, IA, and Lance (Sam) Ostert of Cedar Rapids, IA. Charlie was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  He is also survived by his sisters, Janice Baresel and Phyllis Brinker, both of Maquoketa, IA; sister-in-law, Joan Ostert of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maudie Ostert, and his brothers, Dwayne Ostert and Darrell Ostert.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, March 3, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial with military honors will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.