Source: The Smart Aleck by Vivetta Aleck Emmer and Eileen Aleck Albert, 1986.
Photos are also from The Smart Aleck

Born 17 September 1873 in Cass Township, Harrison County, Iowa, the eighth child and fourth son of Xaver and Christiane Geiger Aleck. Died 1 September 1953 in a nursing home in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Buried in Logan, Iowa.

Married 12 February 1902 in Magnolia, Iowa to Elizabeth Kucks, daughter of Ohlrich and Margaretha Hinkel Kucks born 1 March 1891 in Norfolk Madison County, Nebraska. After Charley's death she lived by herself until 1972 when she wen to a nursing home in Woodbine, Iowa. Soon after going to the nursing home she suffered a stroke which affected her speech and she was unable to walk. Died 24 January 1977 in the hospital at Missouri Valley, Iowa. Buried in Logan, Iowa.

Charley (Better known as Charley or by his nickname, Bruce) was raised on his father's farm in Cass Township, Iowa. While a boy, he acquired a violin which was thought to be homemade and looked old when he got it. He learned to play this instrument, playing by ear -- he did not read music. He and Elizabeth would play for neighborhood dances -- he would play the "fiddle" and Elizabeth would chord on the piano. This violin provided much enjoyment for Charley throughout his whole life.

Before Charley was married he worked for the Winterhalters in Lilly Lake, Illinois. In about 1915 Charley took his family to Lilly Lake on a return visit with the Winterhalters. Whether the Winterhalters were relatives of the Alecks or just good friends cannot be determined. Mrs. Winterhalter was referred to as "Aunt Winterhalter." The Winterhalters lived next door to the Alecks in Riegle, Germany.

After marriage he farmed east of Logan in Cass Township. In about 1910, due to Elizabeth's poor health, the farm was rented and they moved to Logan where they lived in the house that his father Xaver had lived in. They lived there only about one year then returned to the farm where they stayed until retiring in 1945. After selling the farm they moved to Logan where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Charley was a small man -- short and slight of built. He smoked a pipe which was in his mouth most of the time. He liked cats and would often times have one following him around.

Charley and Elizabeth were the parents of two children, and son Edward born 1902 and a daughter Hilda born 1905.

Obituary from Paper:
To Hold Rites This Thursday for Charles Aleck, 79.

Funeral services will be held this Thursday at 2 PM at Bolton-Cranston Funeral Home for Charles Aleck,79, who died in a Council Bluffs nursing home Tuesday after a long illness.

Elder Francis Harper will be the clergyman in charge. Music will be furnished by Mr and Mrs H.L. Peyton, bearers will be Ernest Wilson, Earl Wilson, Albert Kuster, Harold Barkhoff, Chet Dunn and Herb Stephens, with Interment in Logan Cemetery.
Charles Henry Aleck, youngest son of Xaver and Christiane Aleck was born Sept 17 1873 and died Sept 1 1953 at the age of 79 years 11 months and 15 days.

He lived in Harrison County all his life. He farmed in Cass Township until eight years ago when his health failed and he retired to Logan, where he lived until his passing.

Feb 12 1902 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Krucks. To this union two children were born. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth [now deceased]; one daughter Mrs. Lucille Rohlfs [now deceased] of Woodbine, one sister Mrs. Amelia Wilson [now deceased] of San Francisco Calif.; a brother Joseph [now deceased] of Omaha, Nebr.; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were one son, two brothers and five sisters.
On Feb 12 1952 Mr and Mrs Aleck celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.