CHARLES ‘CHARLIE’ STEMLER

Charles “Charlie” Stemler, 87, passed away on October 19, 2018. He was born on March 27, 1931 in Lodi to George and Anna Stemler. He was raised in the Wilton area where he spent countless hours riding his horse across the wide open countryside. Charlie always enjoyed recalling his youth which was filled with family and hard work. He graduated from Galt High School in 1949.

Charlie married his wife, Gloria Francis, in 1953 and together they raised six children. He was a loving husband and father who worked tirelessly to support his family; and he never complained. Charlie was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and all they accomplished. He also loved spending time with his extended family which included his brother Ray and sisters Betty and Margaret and his many nieces and nephews. Everyone loved Uncle Charlie.

Charlie was a longtime member of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Galt. He enjoyed the time and the friendships he made while a member of the Knights of Columbus. Charlie had a servant’s attitude and he could usually be seen around town helping Gloria with one of her numerous volunteer projects. He was routinely the subject of being “voluntold” by Gloria.

Charlie was proud of the various jobs he held throughout his life. Long hours, terrible conditions, and feats of strength were common in his stories from “back in the day”. He drove trucks for various companies as a young adult and eventually became an independent hauler under the name, Stemler Trucking. He spent the last 30+ years of his working life working with his brother-in-law and nephews at McEnerney and Sons Ranch. Charlie loved his job at the ranch and he thoroughly enjoyed the long hours driving tractors. He always said, “You can look out and see what you accomplished every day”.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gloria. There was no doubt she was the light of his life. Charlie is also survived by his six children, George (Andi Malone), Barry (Amy), Donna, Janet (Bill Rochford), Jim, Alice (Tim Kugler), 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Recitation of the Holy Rosary to be said at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Galt on Monday, November 5 at 10a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the Rosary with committal to follow at GaltArno Cemetery. There will be a reception at the Galt Estrellita Ballroom immediately following the burial. All friends and family are welcome to join us in celebrating Charlie’s life.

Ben Salas Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.