Charles was born on February 3, 1932, near Lynnville, Iowa to Everett and Vada Mae Burnham Fenner. He was raised on the family farm and attended the Black Oak rural school. He graduated from Lynnville High School in 1950. On February 3, 1954, he was married to Marilyn Henchal at her parent's home near Newburg. The couple lived on the Seeland farm northeast of Grinnell, where they raised livestock and grain. Charles was a member of the Sheridan United Methodist Church and the Grinnell Rural Fireman's Association. He was a past member of the Poweshiek County Pork Producers, the Cattleman's Association and he served on several Poweshiek County agriculture committees. Charles is survived by his wife, Marilyn Fenner of Grinnell; one daughter, Connie (Dale) Moyer of Grinnell; four sons, Ed (Diana) Fenner, Carl Fenner, Perry (Karen) Fenner, all of Grinnell and Mike (Heidi) Fenner of Pella; 15 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and one brother, Clair Fenner of Grinnell. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to the Lynnville Historical Museum or to the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds.