Obituary of Charles Anthony Gaier

Charles A. (Chuck) Gaier 11/8/42 - 5/2/12 Chuck passed away peacefully, at home, on the morning of May 2nd, 2012. He was 69 years old. He was born in Tilden, Wisconsin to Barbara and Carl Gaier on November 8th 1942. He was the third of four children. Their family ran a share-crop farm where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. Chuck graduated from McDonell high school in Chippewa Falls, Wisc. in 1960. He contemplated entering the seminary as a young man, and had a brief career in the Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1961. In the 1960’s he had a hunting cabin in Gordon where he enjoyed good times with friends ice fishing and bow hunting. Chuck began his career with Ford motor company working at Weigand’s Ford dealership in Chippewa Falls in 1960 as a lot boy, washing cars. He moved to the west coast in 1971, and settled in Santa Barbara shortly thereafter, working for Bob Poeschl Ford Lincoln Mercury. Eventually he moved to Thompson Fauskee Ford, which later became Mel Clayton Ford where he retired in 2007. He was a Ford man for 47 years. In 1975 Chuck married Anne Donahue Miller in a small, quiet ceremony at St. Marks Church in Isla Vista. Chuck legally adopted his daughter, Mollie, in 1976, which changed both their lives forever. Chuck was known for his immense generosity and for helping others. He loved playing cards, golfing with his buddies and he enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends often at various places around town. There has never been a bigger Packers or Cubs fan than Chuck. In recent years trips home to Chippewa and his devout Catholicism brought him immeasurable comfort and joy, and his grandchildren were the light of his life. Those who knew him well, knew him to be a great partner and loyal friend. He will be missed by many. He is preceded in death by his loving Mother and Father, Barbara and Carl Gaier, Sister, Vernetta Kurtz (Bill and David), and Brother Ronald Gaier. He is survived by his daughter, Mollie Kelly, son in law Scott Kelly and grandchildren, Marcus Donahue Kelly and Clara Grace Kelly, brother Robert Gaier, sister in law Brenda Gaier, nephews Troy Gaier (Julie, Zachary and Kendal) and Jake Gaier as well as his niece, Linda Hamilton (Steve). He is also survived by his Sister in Law Janice Gaier (Patty Jo, Rick, Mike & Tracy) and his cousin Phyllis Goettl (Eugene). The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses, Therapists and staff at Cottage Hospital, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, and Meals on Wheels for their endless support and care. A Rosary service will be held on Monday May 14, 2012 at 6:00 PM at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary Chapel 2020 Chapala St. Santa Barbara, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday May 15,2012 at 10:00 AM at San Roque Parish 3200 Calle Cedro Santa Barbara, CA with the burial at Carpinteria Cemetery 1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria, CA to immediately follow the mass. Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary (805) 569-2424 (800) 842-5241 www.mcdermottcrockett.com