Charles J. Vondracek, age 87, of Evansdale, died Friday, February 21, 2014 at his home.

He was born January 16, 1927 in Toledo, Iowa the son of Frank and Mary Chizek Vondracek. Charles graduated from Toledo High School with the Class of 1944 and took coursework Hawkeye Technical College in Waterloo. He married Julia Plum in 1951 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They were later divorced. Charles married Hazel Brandt in 1961 in Waterloo. She preceded him in death in 1995.

Charles was a World War II Army Veteran, serving for 2 years as a Military Policeman. His duty included escorting prisoners at the Nuremburg trials following the war.

Charles worked for John Deere and Co. for 24 years, retiring in 1982. He served as mayor of Evansdale from 1989-1990 and had previously served as a city council member. Charles was a member of the Evansdale Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years where he served as the fire chief for 5 years. He was a Past State of Iowa Commander for the AMVETS and was a life member of Evansdale AMVETS Post 31, where he was a past post commander. He served as AMVETS state quartermaster for 28 years. Charles was also a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He served as a member of the local veteran’s honor guard detail for many years. Charles was a volunteer driver for the DAV, transporting veterans to medical appointments in Iowa City. He also volunteered at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown for many years.

Survivors include his special companion, Lois Kirk-Schwake of Evansdale; a son, Melvin (Denise) Vondracek of Waterloo; a daughter, Toni Harris (Amanda Sargent) of Seattle, WA; 2 grandchildren, Chris Vondracek and Amy (Ryan) Junkins all of Evansdale; 2 great grandchildren, Alyson and Declyn Junkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; a daughter, Vickie Jo Gato; 3 sisters, Marie Vondracek, Lillian Bravner and Blanche Duncalf; and 2 brothers, Frank and Edward Vondracek.