Charles E. Ertzinger
April 13, 1944 - August 12, 2024
Born in Burlington, Iowa
Resided in Cumming, Iowa
Charlie’s favorite toast was “May you live 100 years”. He didn’t quite make it to 100. However, what he lacked in quantity, he made up in quality. His adventures were many. Charlie visited China’s Forbidden City, rafted down the Nile River, went on a hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, attended Mass at Christmas in the Vatican, explored the plains of Serengeti in Africa on safari, saw the Maasai jump and sing, rode a helicopter over Sidney, Australia and watched the sunset in Santorini, Greece, just to name a few of his favorite memories. Traveling, living and working in over 65 countries, he gathered friends all over the world and mentored many who called him professor, father, teacher, eagerly relishing his wisdom and lessons. His emphasis on developing and maintaining relationships kept him connected with all whom he met through his business appropriately named ASSIST.
Charlie was born in Burlington, Iowa on April 13, 1944. He died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024 of metastatic melanoma. Charlie grew up on a small farm, . He developed leadership skills in high school as senior class president. As the first of his family to go to college, he attended Iowa State University and after graduation he began a career in banking. The farm crisis in the 70’s presented challenges to his banking skills as he strived to help farmers save their farms. His work in banking and knowledge of farming developed as he expanded his business skills and his portfolio grew to an international stage. His greatest passion was investing in people and finding ways to make the world smaller and better. All the while, he was a loving and caring father and grandfather, setting an example to his own and many other young men on what it means to be a good man. His family brought him great pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his siblings Mary Jane Schwind, Jim, and Bob Ertzinger. He also is survived by his son Matt (Shannon), grandson Beckett, and stepsons Jeff Lorenzen and Brett Lorenzen and their families and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his partner and travel companion of many years, Mary Anne Murphy.
Memorial Services will be held 10:00 am. on Thursday, 15, 2024, at the Iles-Norwalk Chapel in Norwalk, IA.