Charles Robert Bries

Obituary Charles Robert Bries, 76, slipped peacefully from this world at Kavanagh (Hospice) House on June 12th, 2020, a mere 10 months after the passing of his dear wife. He abandoned his earthly existence with her ashes beside him, his eldest daughters hand in his, while listening to the lyrics he often sang to his children...'I want to go home. I want to go home. Lord, how I want to go home.' Charlie, ever the firecracker, was born as the 11th of 16 children on July 4, 1943, into the family of Arnold and Regina (Ulbrich) Bries near Luxemburg, IA. He was joined in marriage to Mary Jean (Berns) on February 17, 1968. Over the course of their 51 years of marriage, Charlie and Mary raised four children who blessed them with 12 grandchildren. Over the course of his life, Charlie served as the Maintenance Manager at Martin Marietta in Clayton, IA. Once the sand mine closed, he began working as a USDA Excavating Contractor for farmland preservation. He was also the Jack of All Trades throughout his life for Marys business and home. Charlies greatest loves were his wife, his own (and all) children, hunting/fishing, and the weather. He worked hard and played hard, spending his leisure time snowmobiling, riding four-wheelers, playing Euchre, and in his younger years, water-skiing and dancing with Mary at Lakeside Ballroom. Nobody had a need when Charlie was around, as hed do anything in his power to help. He impacted and brought joy to more people than well ever know. Those left to remember him are his daughters Lisa (James) Odson of Ankeny, Vicki (Jon) Rieder of Seven Valleys, PA, Lori (Dan) Digmann of Marion, and son, Jason (Katie) Bries of Cedar Falls; eleven grandchildren, Marie, Noah & Olivia Odson, Brittney, Ian, Chase, Kaden & Teaghen Rieder, Benjamin & Thomas Digmann, & Brody Bries; one step-granddaughter, Grace Waseskuk; two sisters, Thelma (David) Oberbroeckling of New Vienna and Carol (John) Hartmann of Guttenberg; ten brothers, LeRoy (Verna) Bries of Guttenberg, Roger Bries of Dyersville, Virgil (Janice) Bries of Luxemburg, Kenneth (Lois) Bries of Dyersville, Elmer (Theresa) Bries of Monona, Michael (Marita) Bries of New Vienna, Ronald (Lee) Bries of Dyersville, Harold (Lois) Bries of Guttenberg, Gerald (Karen) Bries of Dyersville, and Arnold (Joyce) Bries of Dyersville. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Anna Bries, Imogene (Carl) Feldmann and JoAnn (Donald) Wille; one brother, James (Darlene) Bries; and of course his beloved wife, Mary (Berns) Bries. Visitation and funeral services to be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Guttenberg, IA on Friday, June 19th. Charlies siblings are invited for visitation at 8:00 a.m., with public viewing to commence at 8:30. Once all mourners have had an opportunity to say farewell, the funeral mass will proceed around 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Josephs Cemetery, Garnavillo. Due to COVID-19, we ask that everyone wear a mask, sanitize their hands, and practice social distancing at the service (masks/sanitizer will be available at the church). Every other pew in the church will be roped off to preserve social distancing, though those who cohort are free to sit together. For those not feeling well or who are unable to attend these services, condolences may be sent to the family if desired, c/o Lisa Odson at 2143 NW 72nd Pl, Ankeny, IA 50023. The family extends a special thank you to family & friends and the staff of Kavanagh House for their exemplary care and compassion. Facebook for Charles Bries funeral mass for those who cannot attend in person: https://www.facebook.com/maryicjoseph/videos/620502041891645/ Services Visitation Friday June 19, 2020 8:30 AM to 9:55 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Funeral Mass Friday June 19, 2020 10:00 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Interment St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 250th St Garnavillo, IA 52049