Charlene Van Gundy

Charlene Ruth (Dueland) Van Gundy, age 87, passed away on April 10, 2026, leaving behind a life rich in family, community, and simple joys. She was born on August 13, 1938, in Slater, Iowa, to Carl and Lula (Foshe) Dueland. The oldest of four siblings, Charlene spent her early years in Slater surrounded by extended family before moving to Jamaica, Iowa, where her father took a job as a railroad lineman.

Charlene attended Jamaica High School, where she was a cheerleader, graduating with the class of 1956. On October 1, 1960, she was united in marriage to Orville “Bub” Van Gundy at the Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in love, raising their two children, Jill and Joel, whom Charlene proudly spoke of at every opportunity. The couple lived in Bagley and on a farm outside Jamaica before settling in their family home in Jamaica in 1975, where Charlene remained for the rest of her life.

She held a variety of positions throughout her years, including working at Meredith Publishing, Iowa Finance, Perry State Bank (later Raccoon Valley Bank), Jamaica City Clerk, Moews Seed, and the Pit Stop in Jamaica.

Charlene had a natural gift for connecting with others. She met everyone with genuine warmth, listening intently to their stories, learning where they came from, and remembering the smallest details about their families long after their first meeting. Babies and young children held a special place in her heart, and she was always drawn to their presence.

In her earlier years, Charlene was a skilled seamstress, lovingly creating much of her children’s clothing by hand. She cherished attending her children’s and, later, her grandchildren’s sporting events, as well as participating in numerous family reunions each year. A lifelong learner, she enjoyed reading widely and creating a variety of crafts and woodworking projects. In her later years, Charlene found joy in watching westerns and old game shows, cheering for the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes, and caring for her multitude of houseplants. There were many family cats who received her love and attention through the years and birdwatching was a particular delight to her. She also enjoyed taking long drives and hunting for small treasures at craft shows, dollar stores, garage sales, and consignment shops.

Charlene is lovingly remembered by her children, Jill Van Gundy of Perry, Iowa, and Joel (Amy) Van Gundy of Lone Tree, Colorado; her grandchildren, Rachel and Blake Van Gundy; and many special nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orville “Bub” Van Gundy; and her siblings, Karen Hebert, Nancy (Bud) Janke, and Richard (Charlotte) Dueland. Charlene’s warmth, curiosity, and deep love for others will be missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel. Burial will follow at Richland Cemetery in rural Bagley. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Jamaica Public Library, reflecting her lifelong love of children and learning.