Charles Slater

Charles (Chuck) Richard Slater, 88, of Waterloo, IA went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 26 2025. Chuck was born on September 19, 1936 in Iowa City, IA, the son of Oral and Ruby (Duckett) Slater. Chuck grew up in Stanley, IA before moving to Waterloo, graduating from West High School in 1954. He served in the US Navy, on the USS Ranger, from 1955 to 1959. On February 18, 1960, Chuck was united in marriage to Rachel Joan Newport. To this union four children were born, Kelli (Bob) Lenz of Waverly, Todd (Laurie) Slater of Palo, Troy (Mandy Westendorf) Slater of Denver, Ryan (Kirstien) Slater of LaPorte. On May 8, 1982 Chuck was united in marriage to Jollene Merle Thompson. She was his loving wife and caregiver for 42 years.

Chuck had a passion for cars, and in the late sixties he was employed by John Deere and various local body shops painting cars. As a result, he honed his skills over time and earned the nickname, "Rembrandt." One of his favorite stories was painting a particular Dino Ferrari (one of seven built) which we learned recently still exists and sold for 14 million at auction "ahhhhhhhhh". Chuck fulfilled his dream of owning his own dealership in the early 1970's called Chuck's Classic Motors, specializing in used Toyotas until the business closed in 2002. After that he worked for a local dealership, eventually retiring from the industry in 2015.

Chuckie, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa showed his love for family and friends every day. His love for life, accompanied by an unbridled enthusiasm and gentle confidence in everything he did, was always evident when you were in his presence. Family and friends were at the heart of every experience, and many people were fortunate enough to be a part of them, whether hunting ducks with him on a cold, windy day at the marsh, drift fishing "The Lake" for the "Big One," playing a "hot ball game" with other children and grandchildren, or helping him tend to his garden he was always so proud of, confident his tomatoes were "the best," you always felt Chuck's love.

Chuck is survived by his wife Jollene, his four children, ten grandchildren Jennifer (Tom) Poole, Whitney (Adam) Lenz, Lindsey (Chris) Buckman, Austin Slater, Treyton (Bri) Slater, Jackson Slater, Nolan Slater, Kellen Westendorf, Kellen Slater, Summer Slater, Arlo Slater, Layla Slater, two great grandchildren Sophie, and Eric Poole, sisters-in-law Kathy Dettmer, Mary (Steve) Koehler, brothers-in-law David (Pat) Thompson, Kevin Thompson and a special niece, Christine Windsor and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Ralph, Lois, Lyle, Ray, Roy, and Dolly.

Chuck has been cremated. A celebration of life will take place at Heartland Community Church in Laporte City, Iowa on Saturday, May 3rd 2025. The visitation with family is from 10-11am followed by a memorial service with Pastor Chad Adelmund officiating. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Locke Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements.