Charles "Charlie" Templeman

Charles “Charlie” Templeman, 86, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Charles Franklin was born on June 11, 1936, on a farm near Casey, Iowa, the son of Max Albert and Florence Meta (Harris) Templeman.  Some of his childhood was spent in Atlantic and the family lived on south Palm Street; he told the story often of how he rode his horse to the country school house on the corner of 29^th and Palm.  The family also lived in other places throughout Cass County before settling in Anita, which is where he attended high school.  His work ethic was evident at an early age, always having a job and giving it his all.  Charles graduated from Anita High School in the Class of 1954.

Who would have thought spinning your bike tire that sent rocks flying would turn into 67 years of marriage?  Well, it did and this is how he “got the attention of” twelve-year-old, Delores Jean Aupperle.  The couple married on June 4, 1955, at the Anita United Methodist Church and were blessed with five children, Vicki, Chuck, Todd, Lori and Tammy. Atlantic became home from here on.  The family loved to go on camping adventures, Colorado and Canada being their favorites; the trips were even more enjoyable with neighbors, Dorothy and Dallas Bonnesen and their family along.  The kids also remember all the fun they had on the many mini bikes and go-karts they had.  

Charles worked at Stangl Motors, the local Pontiac dealership, Bodine’s Lamp Shade Factory, and First Whitney Bank, working up to head teller.  All of this leading up to him purchasing the first Templeman’s storefront, where the original Atlantic Theatre was, on the southwest corner of 6^th and Chestnut.  He later opened the location on Walnut and the car dealership; boy did he love the car auctions.  He had the art of wheelin’ and dealin, he lived for the art of making a deal.  If he thought he could sell it, he bought it.  He often told family when making a deal that they would flip for it, funny he always won.  I guess it would be hard to beat him since he had a double-headed coin.  Delores in a loving way often joked that if she told him not to do something or shared it wasn’t a good idea it just seemed to encourage him. 

Charles always had a huge appetite and looked forward to going out to eat, man could he eat.  He wasn’t picky, but homemade ice cream and chocolate cake were his favorite desserts.  It was a sure thing if you didn’t finish your plate, he would and he also didn’t hesitate to wipe that chocolate frosting right off your piece if you didn’t want it.

Charles is survived by his wife, Delores; children, Vicki Templeman, Chuck (Linda) Templeman, Todd Templeman, Lori Templeman and Tammy (John) Westering; 8 grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerry (Verdell) Templeman and Mervin (Jean) Templeman; and nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Virgil Templeman.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the First United Methodist Church.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Charles' family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.