A memorial service for Charles H. “Charlie” Verplank will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel in Hartley. Dr. Lynn Dau will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers are Terry Jenkins, Jerry Jenkins, Lynn Griese, Jason Peters and LeRoy Peters. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288, of Hartley, with interment in Harrison Township Cemetery near May City. Hartley Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

Charles Henry “Charlie” Verplank was born Aug. 23, 1949 to Darrell William and Alvina (Senn) Verplank in Sibley. He grew up in the Ocheyedan and Hartley areas along with his two sisters, Darlene and Shirley. He received his education at the Hartley Community School, graduating from Hartley High School with the Class of 1968.

On July 17, 1968, Charlie proudly began serving his country with the United States Marine Corps. He received specialty training as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man and served two overseas tours in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He also earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He had attained the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged on July 16, 1972. He loved this country and gladly served to defend it. As a civilian his mantra remained, “Once a Marine – Always a Marine.”

Charlie was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley. He was an avid reader, loved listening to his favorite music on the radio and never seemed to tire of watching old western shows on TV.

Charlie passed from this life on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at the age of 73 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Alvina Verplank; and his sister, Shirley Jenkins.

He will be remembered as a devoted brother, uncle and cousin. His memory is held close by his sister and her husband, Darlene and LeRoy Peters, of Hartley; and other relatives and friends.