Charles "Chuck" McLaren

Charles “Chuck” McLaren, 78, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Heritage House in Atlantic, surrounded by family.

Charles Thomas McLaren, son of Don and Rosemary Casey McLaren, was born on August 5, 1947, in Atlantic, Iowa, and was raised on a farm south of Massena with his four siblings. Chuck was a lifelong member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1965 and went on to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from April 1966 to February 1970.

Charles "Chuck" McLaren met Mary Worth in 1964, and they were married on September 21, 1968, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. After their marriage, they lived in California for four years before returning to Atlantic, Iowa, where Chuck worked for Iowa Electric/Alliant Energy. The first surprise of their marriage occurred in 1972 when their twins, Darby and Dustin, were born. Chuck, knowing the numbers weren't fair and always looking out for Mary, ensured that baby number three would round out the family when Kylie was born in 1978.

As a father, Chuck was a hands-on parent. He not only made sure the kids were involved, but that he was involved in their activities as well. The three kids grew up at the Atlantic Little League diamonds, where Chuck served as president of Little League. From spring through summer, if you needed to find Chuck, you knew where to go. When the kids weren't at the ball field, Chuck wanted to make sure they had a place to be, so the backyard became a summer oasis when he installed an above-ground pool for much of Atlantic to enjoy, because Chuck never turned anyone away.

Early on, you could find Chuck cruising around on his motorcycle, a 250 Honda, with Mary proudly riding behind him. Later, he decided four wheels were safer than two and transitioned to a green MG convertible. Chuck rounded out his collection of gas-powered vehicles—and nearly his marriage—with the purchase of his dream car, a GT Mustang. Chuck knew the town of Atlantic needed him back on the roads policing the neighborhoods, so he and Mo went "shopping" and returned with a three-wheel electric bike, basket included.

Chuck was an avid golfer and spent countless hours traversing the fairways—and sometimes the roughs—of Nishna Hills Golf Course. Golf was a passion he passed down to Dustin and Darby. They shared countless hours walking the course and learning much more than just golf. One season, they all competed together in the Tournament of Champions; you can ask the boys how that turned out. When changing seasons no longer allowed for golf, their pastime turned to hunting and spending time at the farm. The farm was a special place that Chuck and his brothers took care of and welcomed others to enjoy. His love of the farm has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Although hunting and golfing did not catch on with Kylie, Chuck never missed an opportunity to be present for her important life events. Kylie was Chuck's baby, and he always made sure she knew he was in her corner.

Chuck found time to be actively involved in his community. He was a respected volunteer firefighter with the Atlantic Fire Department and proudly drove a fire truck in parades over the years. Chuck also volunteered at the Food Pantry and served as a driver for Meals on Wheels. Nothing Chuck did in the community was for recognition; however, he was honored as the Angel of Christmas in 2012 for his generous spirit.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Rosemary McLaren; his father-in-law, Romeo Worth; his mother-in-law, Dora (Sanny) Worth; his brothers, Dan McLaren and Paul McLaren; his brothers-in-law, Lawrence Worth and William “Bill” (Peggy) Worth; his sisters-in-law Opal Struge and Wilma Wagner; Aunt Betty Casey; and nephew Tom Worth. 

Chuck is survived by his wife, Mary McLaren; and their three children: Darby (Mary) McLaren of Atlantic, Dustin (Ricci) McLaren of Atlantic, and Kylie (Dustin) Petty of Urbandale, Iowa. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Gratt, Chase, Steele, Garrett, Taryn, Hudson, Jayci, Bryn, Peyton, and Madison.

Other surviving family members include his brother, Richard "Dicko" McLaren; his sister, Suz Simon; sisters-in-law, Arlene McLaren and Marilyn McLaren; brother-in-law, Mark (Jo) Worth, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 19th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20th at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by end of day Saturday.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery. In honor of Chuck’s dedication to his country and community the Atlantic Color Guard and Atlantic Fire Department will be present.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic Fire Department and Atlantic Little League.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Chuck’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

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