Deep River- Charles L. Montross, 81 of Deep River Iowa passed away Wednesday, December 21st, 2016 at Waterman Hospital, Tavares Florida. Charlie was born September 8th, 1935 on the family farm west of Millersburg Iowa, the oldest son of Hubert and Blanche (Gerard) Montross. After graduating from Millersburg High School with the class of 1953, he began farming with his family. On June 27th, 1959, he married Mary Ellen Cash at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Williamsburg, Iowa. Together they started the Montross Bin Company. Charlie enjoyed not only farming and the construction business but he especially enjoyed meeting many people who became life time friends. He never knew a stranger. A highlight of his life was his venture into public service. It gave him the opportunity to share his thoughts with others serving twelve years as an Iowa County supervisor. He and Mary Ellen also loved to travel, covering more than 20 countries over the years but his roots were firmly planted in Iowa County. Losing his vision did not stop him from traveling and he spent many years with family and friends in Florida as “snow birds” and enjoying live music in the “Villages”. Charlie lived for his grandchildren, attending every event from preschool to college graduations.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen of 57 years, his children Carolyn (John) Frazier, Vinton, Dianne (Mike) Horn, Marshalltown, David (Lea) Montross, Williamsburg, his sisters and brother Jeanette Bender, James (Gloria) Montross, Texas, sister Phyllis Gorsh and sister in law Linda Montross, Iowa and, brother in law, David Slotwinski, Florida and seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Travis) Menury, Alex (Liz) Frazier, Stephanie and Samantha Horn, Katie, Wyatt and Mackenzie Montross, great-grandson-son Michael Horn and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Charles, parents Hubert and Blanche, in-laws Willian (Bill) and Mary Ellen Cash, sister Linda Slotwinski, his brother Keith and his brother in laws Jim Cash, Joe Bender and Donnie Gorsch.
Celebration of Life Funeral Mass Will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, North English. Fr. David Wilkening will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Williamsburg. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4:30 -7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at the Powell Funeral Home, North English. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com