Charles Gaffey

CHARLES J. "CHUCK" GAFFEY

Holbrook

Charles Joseph "Chuck" Gaffey, 75, died unexpectedly at his home in Lena, Ill., on Feb. 22, 2017. Memorial services will be Saturday, March 4, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to time of service at noon, with a luncheon to follow. Services will be officiated by Pastor Rick Bader. A private inurnment will be at St. Michael's Church Cemetery in Holbrook, Iowa, at a date to be determined.

Chuck was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, the third child of a family of seven born to Joe and Laura (Fahnholz) Gaffey. He grew up in Holbrook, attended a one-room country grade school and graduated valedictorian from Parnell High School in 1959. While in high school, he helped run the family-owned grocery store, as well as work for several local farmers. He attended the University of Iowa before entering the U.S. Army.

After serving in the military, he started a 50-plus-year career in the world of finance and banking, retiring as president of Bank Plus in Estherville, Iowa. Chuck also was involved with the American Legion for 43 years.

In his retirement years, he worked as a bank consultant in Iowa and Illinois.

Chuck was a very active member in his church, St. John's Lutheran Church, Lena, and acted as an elder and usher and consulted on several church endeavors. He also enjoyed assisting with the wheelchair ramp building team.

On July 18, 2009, he married Ann Clausen at St. John's Lutheran Church, Lena. Together, they enjoyed traveling to many places, including Ireland, Alaska, Nova Scotia and Branson, and driving historic Route 66. In his spare time, Chuck enjoyed reading and woodworking.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ann; son, Larry (Melody) Gaffey of Elkhorn, Wis.; stepson, David Clausen of Mount Pleasant, Wis.; stepdaughter, Amanda (Brett) Swoik of Lincolnwood, Ill.; grandchildren, Max and Elizabeth Gaffey and Bradley and Gavin Swoik; and many nieces and nephews. He also is survived by three brothers, Gerald (Marilyn) Gaffey of Iowa City, Harold (Cindi) Gaffey of Coralville and Ed (Karen) Gaffey of Altoona; and three sisters, Laurine (Robert) Sueppel of Marion, Mary Kathryn Roth of West Branch and Theresa (Jerry) Stevens of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Charles, in 1981; his parents, Joe and Laura Gaffey; brother-in-law, John Roth; and nephew, Ronald Gaffey.

He will be remembered as a caring, generous gentlemen's gentleman.

Memorials may be made to Friends of Old St. Michael's in Holbrook and sent to Gerald Gaffey, No. 9 The Woods NE, Iowa City, IA 52240.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

Arrangements by Leamon Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., Lena, IL 61048 (815)-369-4512.