C. Joseph Coleman

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Charles Joseph Coleman Sr. (March 14, 1923 – July 26, 2002) was an American politician.

Personal life

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C. Joseph Coleman was born on March 14, 1923, to parents Daniel and Geneva Coleman in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The family resided in Clare, where Joseph was raised. After completing his primary and secondary education at St. Matthew's Academy in his hometown, Coleman enrolled at Iowa State University and subsequently transferred to complete his college education at Bradley University. Coleman was married twice, first to Katherine Ann Burken from October 1945 to her death in December 1950, and then to Polly Pflanz from January 1954. Joseph Coleman had three sons, C. Joseph Jr. Kerry, and Kevin Gerard.[1] A grandson, C. Joseph III and known as Joey, is a motivational speaker.[2] C. Joseph Coleman died at the age of 79, on July 26, 2002.[1]

Public service career

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After graduating from college, Coleman worked for the Iowa Conservation Service. Politically, he was affiliated with the Democratic Party. Coleman won his first election to the Iowa Senate in 1956, and served continuously until 1991.[1] His tenure as Iowa's longest-serving state legislator ended in an election loss to James Kersten.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Senator C. Joseph Coleman". Iowa General Assembly. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  2. ^ "Words of wisdom". The Messenger. 6 January 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  3. ^ "Election '90: Kramer beats Urban; Democrats retain legislative control". Des Moines Register. November 7, 1990. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  4. ^ "Republicans savoring legislative inroads made in Tuesday's showdown". Des Moines Register. 8 November 1990. Retrieved 2 September 2025.