Services
Obituary
Charles T. (Chuck) McLaughlin died December 29 at home.
He was born to C. T. and Dorothy McLaughlin on a farm near Salem, IL in 1918. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters, and his wife Helen. He is survived by his son Sydney, four nephews and their families, and many dear friends.
Chuck was a progressive farmer and an ardent conservationist. After he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois and pursued graduate studies at Iowa State, Chuck and Helen began their own farming operation in 1945. He became involved with soil conservation in 1946 as one of the original members of the local soil conservation district. He was elected as a Soil Commissioner in 1972, and was the first farmer to serve as President of the Iowa Soil District Commissioners (1978-1980). He spoke extensively on soil conservation throughout the United States, and he served on the board of the National Soil Conservation Districts. He was well known nationally for his lifelong commitment to soil and water conservation. Chuck provided 30 years of volunteer leadership to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, starting in 1980 as an ex-officio board member when they were newly formed. He served on their board of directors from 1982 until his death (age 64 to 91) and as Chair 1990 to 1992. Chuck helped develop their Resourceful Farming Program. While he helped protect and restore many wild places in Iowa, he took special joy in restorations close to home such as Meredith Marsh, Crystal Lake Marsh, Thorpe Park wildlife complex, Maynard Reece Marsh, Union Slough additions, and the Clear Lake watershed. He was noted for imparting a few sentences of wisdom or perspective into board discussion just when needed. In many ways, he was the spirit and conscience of the organization. He believed it was crucial for private citizens to build awareness of our dependence upon natural resources and to protect unique natural areas of the state for future public enjoyment. He led by example. The depth of his commitment was an inspiration to many others. Chuck also served his community and state by being on the Hancock County Zoning Board, the Board of Governors for Living History Farms, the Land Use Commission, the Iowa Conservation Education Council, and the Speakers’ Bureau of the Iowa Humanities Board. He delivered "Chief Seattle’s speech" on environmental responsibility on many memorable occasions. He was president for several years of the North Iowa Choral Society, and sang often at Choral Society and Hancock Little Theater presentations, including "The Messiah", and at weddings, funerals, and in his church choir. Chuck was a Past Master of Masons and a 32nd Degree Mason.
There will be no memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 Fifth Ave, Suite 444, Des Moines, IA 50309 or at http://www.inhf.org/ Condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.legacy.com/