Charles & Linda Metzger

Charles (age77) and Linda (age 78) Metzger, of Lester, IA both died Friday evening, May 9, 2025, in a tragic auto accident in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 14th at the Apostolic Christian Church in Lester, Iowa. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 13th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the family present at the Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Lester.

Charles Dean Metzger, born September 13, 1947, and his beloved wife Linda Lee Metzger (Hanson), born November 21, 1946, passed away on May 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and family. Married on April 10, 1970, Charles and Linda shared a lifetime of partnership, raising a family and creating countless cherished memories together.

Linda was a graduate of Washington High School in 1964 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and later attended the University of South Dakota for two years. She went on to build a lifelong career in banking, where her professionalism and warmth were appreciated by coworkers and customers alike. Linda was an avid reader and a skilled Sudoku player who loved chatting with friends and keeping in touch with family over the phone.

Charles graduated from West Lyon High School in 1965, Lester, Iowa. He spent much of his life working as a dedicated dairy farmer. In 1994, he retired from farming and began working at the local grain elevators. That same year, he and Linda moved from their farm into Lester.

Charles proudly served in the National Guard in Luverne for 6 years and he was a member of the Lester American Legion. Known for his outgoing nature, Charles never met a stranger—he had a gift for conversation and a genuine interest in everyone he met.

Charles and Linda were deeply involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. In retirement, one of their greatest joys was attending their grandkids’ events, cheering them on and sharing in their accomplishments.

They are lovingly survived by their three daughters: Jami (Scott) Hamilton, Jodi (Marty) Swensen, and Lori (Aaron) Kock, and their 6 grandchildren, Cullen and Landen Hamilton, Rory and Rylen Swensen and Tyler and Bryce Kock. Charles is survived by siblings: Keith (Mary) Metzger, Kathy Doorneweerd, Mike Metzger, Lyle (Loris) Metzger and Dick (Gail) Metzger. Linda is survived by her siblings Judy (Steve) Kilgour and Tom (Nancy) Hanson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Their memory will live on in the hearts of their children, grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing them.

They are reunited in death with their infant son, parents, Emil and Flora (Strahm) Metzger, Tom and Lois (Becker) Hanson and brother-in-law Butch Doorneweerd.

Charles and Linda were dearly loved and will be terribly missed. Their lives were a beautiful example of dedication, kindness, and unconditional love.