Charles Robert Wesely

Charles “Charlie” Robert Wesely’s last race ended Saturday, April 29, 2023, while he was surrounded by family at Savannah Heights nursing home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa as the NASCAR Xinfinity race at Dover Motor Speedway was going on the TV, that he had planned on attending with family but didn’t make it due to his health.  

Charlie was born on August 24, 1932, in Iowa City to Frank and Mary (Cooper) Wesely of Keosauqua, Iowa. After his family moved to Henry County, he had the unique opportunity of attending two rural country schools, where he was an average student and when asked what his favorite part of school was, he without a doubt responded, “the girls.” After the country schools, Charlie went on to become a student in the Mount Pleasant School system and graduated in 1951.

Following graduation, Charlie moved to California to join his brother Paul, and was soon hired to work at an Air Force supply depot. However, his employment at the depot was short lived as he was called upon in 1953 to serve his country in the United Stated Army for the next two years. After receiving an honorable discharge, Charlie was hired to work at a Marine supply depot in Barstow California briefly, but knew Iowa was home and he returned to the Midwest.

After returning home to Iowa, Charlie took on farming and soon found employment at General Electric in Burlington, Iowa where he worked as an electrical tester for 26 and a half years.

Charlie was married three times, once to Rosemary Scarff of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and twice to Helen Woodyward of Burlington, Iowa, both ending in divorce.

Charlie was a member and supporter of the Salem VFW – Post 94, was an avid coin collector, loved his vintage Chevrolets, local car shows, and would never turn down a trip to Red Lobster.

He was an avid NASCAR supporter, rarely missing a race on TV, we all knew not to call when the races were on. He made many trips to Michigan and Dover with family to watch the races firsthand and one Christmas received a signed letter from Richard Childress, a NASCAR team owner, thanking him for his continued support which Charlie proudly displayed in his home next to all his Dale Earnhardt memorabilia.

In retirement, Charlie continued to help the local farmers, he loved running the equipment and was up for any task. Anywhere we would be driving in the car, he would always share his opinion of the owners’ care of the passing fields, leaving little doubt of his approval or dislike.

Farming, NASCAR racing, and old cars were all second to family. Charlie came from a large family himself having eleven brothers and sisters. Each year in June, it was time to spruce up his property by mowing, plating flowers, and painting in anticipation and preparation for the annual Wesely reunion that was held for many years at his house in Salem, Iowa. He genuinely looked forward to seeing family come literally from all over the country for reuniting, visiting, and whatever else may occur.   

When the weather was good, Charlie enjoyed sitting out by his barn in the sun, or in the doorway watching the world go by and many times friends would stop by to visit and discuss the news of the day. Most of the locals knew to look for him and would honk as they passed by. Charlie would always wave and wait for the next car, truck, or tractor to go by all while relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying his “occasional” Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

Charlie is survived by his children; Roger Wesely of Mt. Pleasant, Cindy (Lynn) Conrad of Mt. Pleasant, Tina Wesely of Burlington, four grandsons, five granddaughters, several great-grandchildren, one sister; Genevieve (Wesely) Fetterman of Salem, and several nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents; Frank Wesely and Mary (Cooper) Wesely and ten brother and sisters; Dorothy, Jane, Bertha, Jean, Pricilla, Joe, George, Merlin “Mike” Paul, and Johnny.

Kimzey Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the care and services of Charles “Charlie” Robert Wesely. He will be cremated with inurnment in the Salem East Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place in conjunction with his late sister Jane on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Moose Lodge in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Salem Fire Department. On-line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Robert Wesely, please visit our floral store.