Charles Phillip “Charlie” McCabe, 96, passed away Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, where he had resided for 17 years.
Charlie was the first born of 12 children to Richard and Gladys (Ryan) McCabe on September 28, 1928, in Cresco, Iowa. He spent his first 12 years on a farm near Plymouth Rock, Iowa. In 1940 the family moved to Henrytown, walking the livestock 28 miles. Charles attended the Todd School in Coldwater, Iowa and Henrytown School until the seventh grade, then stayed home to work on the farm.
Charles met his future wife, LaVonne Alaine Bakke, at the Harmony Roller Rink. They were united in marriage on June 28, 1952, at the Assumption Church Rectory in Canton. They farmed south of Lanesboro and raised five children. Charlie was a very diversified farmer. He was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lanesboro, served on the Creamery, Midland, and ADA boards. Charlie was always willing to help others. He enjoyed working with horses, had a team of draft horses until 1962, and after that, he had several riding horses. Charles enjoyed going to the sales barns where we never knew what he was going to come home with. He was known for knowing how to put up a good fence. He also enjoyed gardening and butchering a “few” chickens.
Charlie is survived by his five children: Charlene (Keith) Eide, Shirley (David) Shanahan, Larry (Linda), Jerry (Kim), and Patty (Lance) Mensink; 19 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, a brother, Orvin McCabe of Georgia; two sisters, Donna (Al) Weber of Rochester, and Marilyn (Joe) Schorr of Lanesboro; four sisters-in-law: Jean McCabe, Ella Mae McCabe, Bonnie McCabe and Catherine Bakke. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife LaVonne, an infant son, Gregory Charles; four brothers: Jim, George, Roger, and Steve; four sisters: Darlene Hulett, Alice McCabe, Rosella Peterson and Grace Reicks; a sister-in-law, Rosalie Hongerholt; and a brother-in-law, Charles Bakke.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lanesboro, with Father Nicholas Gawarecki officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 14 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and one hour before the service Tuesday. Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church cemetery following the service. Memorials are preferred to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
Donna Weber says
So sorry we had to miss brother Charlie’s funeral services. We’ll get with you kids soon. Deepest sympathy. Donna/Al
Mosie hershberger says
Good evening sorry to hear about Charlie
My heart ❤️ goes out to all the family .Charlie was a very loving person I worked for Charlie and lavon and the family in the early 90’s on the dairy farm driving tractor skid loader and pickup truck was lot more fun then cleaning calf pen stacking small square bales . I always enjoyed working for the family. Always lots to eat and on rainy days Butcher chickens .with oue deepest sympathy from the hershberger’s
Vicki Cramer says
You have our deepest and most sincere sympathies. I loved Charlie’s laugh and great sense of humor. I loved to hear his stories about farming. Charlie will be greatly missed. I think his record at the Care Center was….resident living at the Care Center the longest.
Charlie had a very strong faith. I brought him Communion many Sunday Mornings after Mass.
A special guy in my heart.
May you all find strength, peace, and healing.