Charles Wiest

A memorial service for Charles Wiest, Jr., age 82 of Spirit Lake, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake.

Charles Lincoln Wiest, Jr., son of Charles and Dorothy (Hood) Wiest, was born on January 25, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. He passed away on May 26, 2026, at Keelson Harbour in Spirit Lake, Iowa, at the age of 82.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Colonel. His bravery and sacrifice were recognized with the Purple Heart. He later earned his doctorate and enjoyed his career as an attorney.

On March 17, 1979, Charles was united in marriage to Jane Wiest in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout the years, Charles lived in San Francisco, California; San Antonio, Texas; and St. Louis, Missouri, before they made their home in Spirit Lake, Iowa in 2006.

Charles was an active member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake. He enjoyed cooking, dining at fine restaurants, swimming, walking the dog, attending church, and watching Law & Order.

Family was at the center of Charles's life. He treasured the memories of his daughter's wedding, family vacations to Captiva, Florida, deep-sea fishing trips with his son, and countless boat rides and tubing adventures with his granddaughter. He adored his furry companions and treated them like children with constant treats and frisbee throws. His military service and his family were his proudest accomplishments.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jane Wiest; daughter, Katie Wiest; son, Michael Wiest; and granddaughter, Georgia Oetting.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Wiest.