Charles "Chuck" A. Cooley

South Sioux City, NE – Charles “Chuck” Cooley, 76, of South Sioux City, NE died Saturday, September 10, 2016 at a Sioux City hospital.

Masonic graveside services by Attica Lodge #502 A.F. & A.M. will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at Whiting City Cemetery, Whiting, IA.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel in Sioux City.

Charles Arthur Cooley, son of Howard and Hazel (Belew) Cooley, was born March 13, 1940 in Bronson, IA.  At a young age, Chuck’s family moved to Salix.  He attended school in Salix and graduated from Salix High School in 1958.  Following graduation, he started working at the elevator in Sloan.

On May 15, 1960, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Jean Koenig in Sloan.  To this union two children were born: Carol Linea and Charles Jayson.  The family made their home in the Whiting area.  From 1961 to 1967, Chuck served in the United States Army Reserves.  During these years, he was a sales representative for several agricultural companies until 1976 when he purchased the fertilizer plant in Whiting.  He operated the plant until 1981.  In 1982, he purchased the Cimmarina Harbor Inc. which he operated until 1992.  Chuck and Tony Simoni opened Cimmarina Boats in Dakota City, NE.  Chuck retired in 2003 but continued to help out at the boat store from time to time.

Chuck met Margie Meier over twenty-five years ago.  They were partners in many travels, adventures and everyday life.  After many years as a couple, they were married at their home on October 10, 2015.

Chuck was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple.  As a Shriner, he was a member of the Cycle Corps. and the Jesters.  Chuck was a licensed pilot and owned his own plane.  He volunteered his plane and time to transport children to the Shriner’s Hospital.  He was also a member of the Sioux City Elks Lodge #112.

In addition to his love of flying, Chuck was an avid boater.  He captained his own boats on several trips on the Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Illinois rivers and Lake Michigan.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Margie Cooley of South Sioux City, NE; his daughter, Linea Cooley of Mission, KS; his sister, Patsy Brown of Sioux Falls, SD; three brothers-in-law: Dick (Barb) Meier of Battle Creek, IA, Bob (Glenrose) Meier of Council Bluffs, IA and Ron (Roxie) Meier of Odebolt, IA; his feline companion, KeeKee  nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jay Cooley; and a brother-in-law, George Brown.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children.