Charles “Chuck” Giefer, age 80, of Sequim, Wash., died Nov. 12, 2022. Chuck was born on May 27, 1942 in Farmington, Minn., the son of Eugene and Mary Giefer. He was raised in Hampton, Minn. before moving to Ellsworth, Wis. where he attended St. Francis Parochial School prior to graduating from Ellsworth High School in the class of 1960.
Following high school, he enlisted in the Armed Forces where he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps 1960 to 1964 in Japan and Vietnam. He would return to California following his honorable discharge, receiving his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the California State College in Long Beach. He worked for Bectel Corporation and NSP in the nuclear industry and later for MEE industries in various overseas projects. In 1964, he was married to W. Lynne Olkjers. To this marriage, children Eric and Kara were born. This union would later dissolve.
Chuck enjoyed camping with family earlier in life, taking in the outdoors and beautiful scenery. He also looked forward to being with his buddies deer hunting or fishing. He enjoyed exploring the various countries he worked in and visited. After retirement he rarely missed a good estate sale. Chuck was a people person. He loved the fellowship of others and could make a friend anywhere, overseas, at the grocery store and even as a patient while in the hospital!
On April 26, 2019, he said “I do” as he walked down the isle with his best friend and soul mate Kay Ann Giefer at Zion Covenant Church in Ellsworth. The two had been classmates from high school and reunited recently. They have made Sequim, Wash. area their home.
Chuck is survived by his wife Kay Ann; children: Eric (Jessica) Giefer and daughters Rose and Lily, son-in-law, Shawn Ryeshar and children Aiden, Lucas, and Zeva; siblings Joseph (Carrie) Giefer, Barbara (Robert) Ickler, Mary Jean (Leonard) Cernohous, Richard (Renee) Giefer; as well as his nieces/nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marjorie Giefer, and daughter Kara Ryeshar.
Memorial service for Chuck Giefer will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Wis. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and burial at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service. Gathering and refreshments afterwards. Memorials preferred to cancer research. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth.
