Charles Thomas Hall

Charles Thomas Hall, 64, stepped into heaven Good Friday morning, March 30, 2018, from his home near Waukon, Iowa.  Charlie's courage matched the intensity of his foe, pancreatic cancer, even to the end.  A visitation will be held Thursday, April 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a prayer service and sharing time at 6:30 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon. The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 6 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Waukon, at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Memorials may be directed to St Patrick's Catholic Church.

Charles was born in Waukon on May 28, 1953, to parents Kenneth and Mildred (Burke) Hall.  He graduated in 1971 from Waukon High School, where he was an All-State musician and honor student, and attended Iowa State University.  His 34-year career as an air traffic controller and automation specialist grew out of his love for all things flight- and technology-related.  Charlie excelled at the rigorous FAA training and served in Omaha, Denver, and Minneapolis.  He was instrumental in specializing and tailoring the computer systems critical to our nation's air traffic control network.  Prior to joining the Federal Aviation Administration, Charlie was a firefighter and paramedic in Cedar Rapids.  He also worked on several Allamakee County farms, delivered oil in Waterloo, and harvested wheat in the Great Plains. Charlie was a member of Mensa and a licensed pilot.

A shared appreciation of Irish music and heritage brought together Charlie and his love, Susan Tierney of Omaha, Nebraska.  They were married on November 25, 1992.  Charlie had many varied interests.   He was an enthusiastic bicyclist, veteran RAGBRAI finisher, and Tour de France follower; a fearless chef and accomplished woodworker; a discerning photographer; an intrepid outdoorsman of all stripes; and an avid reader.  He and Susie enjoyed hiking the mountainous Colorado terrain and summited Longs Peak in 2001.  Recently they designed their own home located on the century family farm near Waukon.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his loving wife, Susan of Waukon; their children, Kelly (Darrel) Reichenberg of Elkhorn, NE, and Nathan (Christa) Sander of Independence, MO, and grandchildren Max and Carter Reichenberg and Keira and Isla Sander.  He is also survived by his sisters, Ann (Mark) Henthorn of Muscatine, IA, Karen (Warren) Varley of Stuart, IA, and Susan (Daniel) Cahoon of Monona, IA; sisters-in-law Kathy Cannon of Lincoln, NE, and Maureen (Steve) Olsen of Omaha; brother-in-law Thomas (Susan) Tierney of Omaha; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved herd of cats.  He will be greatly missed.