Charles Thompson Gessner
November 21, 1957 ~ September 4, 2015
Charles “Charlie” Thompson Gessner, age 57 of New Hampton, Iowa went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA, following a long battle with cancer.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Chickasaw Event Center with Pastor Kevin McBride officiating. A private graveside service will take place at New Hampton Cemetery prior to the service. Online condolences for Charlie’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mission India or Midwest Mission Bible Training Center in Cresco, IA
Charles Thompson Gessner was born November 21, 1957 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Gene and Nancy (Stebbins) Gessner. In third grade Charlie and his family moved to Iowa City, IA where he graduated from Iowa City West High School. Following high school he attended the University of Nebraska for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa. At the University of Iowa he completed his undergraduate degree and went on to the college of dentistry. Charlie practiced dentistry in Waterloo, Calmar, and Nashua, and went on to own his practice, Calmar Dental Clinic. In the spring of 1988 Charlie met Shirley Jean Van Wambeke. The couple was united in marriage on June 24, 1995 in Wayzata, MN. They chose New Hampton to begin their new life together that summer. In July of 2001 they gave birth to their daughter, Lydia Elizabeth, who brought much joy to her Dad, and she adored him.
Charlie attended Waterloo Worship Center of Waterloo. Through life he enjoyed collecting World War II memorabilia, golfing, downhill skiing, watersports, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Whether it was bike riding, playing basketball with his daughter, or going to Sunday worship with “his girls”, it was the simple things in life that made Charlie most happy. He loved to take his family on fun vacations, with their most special memories being trips to Michigan.
His greatest passions in life were his love for the Lord and his family. He accepted Christ as his Savior at Young Life Camp as a teenager. His relationship with the Lord became the joy and defining purpose of his life. He was a man of incredible faith and prayer.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Shirley and loving daughter, Lydia of New Hampton; mother, Nancy Gessner of Coralville, IA; brothers, Gene Gessner, of Coralville, IA, Michael (Barbara) Gessner of South Lake, TX; and many more loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, and joyfully united in heaven with three miscarried children, including twins.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Shirley, Lydia, and all of Charlie’s family,
We have so many fond memories of Charlie from the jokes that he told, to the backyard games that he played with the children in the neighborhood, to the strong faith that he shared with us. He will forever be a part of our memories and his presence will be greatly missed. We will continue to lift all of you up in prayer as you celebrate the great life that he lived. We pray that you may also find peace knowing how happy he is as he begins his eternal life with Jesus.
Love and prayers,
Aaron & Jill Flugum
Austin, Caleb, & Bryce
Shirley, Lydia, and all of Charlie’s family, We have so many fond memories of Charlie from the jokes that he told, to the backyard games that he played with the children in the neighborhood, to the strong faith that he shared with us. He will forever be a part of our memories and his presence will be greatly missed. We will continue to lift all of you up in prayer as you celebrate the great life that he lived. We pray that you may also find peace knowing how happy he is as he begins his eternal life with Jesus. Love and prayers, Aaron & Jill Flugum Austin, Caleb, & Bryce
Deep regards to Shirley and Lydia and all the Gessner family.
God’s blessings to you, Shirley and Lydia. I pray for strength for you.
Shirley and Lydia words can not express our sadness for you. Charlie was one of a kind. He was loving, caring, funny, smart, a great chef, and a man who loved Jesus Christ every day . He would give me a hug and would say we’ll pray for you Betty. I know he would. We will miss him . Sending love and prayers to you and his family. Jack and Betty
Shirley and Lydia – We are so sorry for your loss of a great and kind husband and father. If there is ANYTHING we can do please let us know. If we can help with the dog we’ll be there in a heartbeat! We know that your strong faith will help you through this difficult time. Prayers and hugs to you both now and in the days ahead! God Bless – Tom, Ginger, Jason and Lexi Rasmussen
Shirley and Lydia, you are in our thoughts, on our hearts and in our prayers. All our love to you during this difficult time.
Dear Shirl & Lydia, We are so devistated and shocked at the news of Charlie. We are sending hearfelt sympathies,hugs and much love. You have been missed since the day you left Minnesota, we were so thrilled to witness your marriage, and knew you were in good hands in Iowa, with your loving Charlie. So very sorry for your loss, and wish we could be nearer, but you are always close in our heart, and in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you, our dearest Shirley and Lydia. Love you, Peggy, Summer, & Savannah
Dear Shirley & Lydia,
I’m so stunned & feel sad about Charlie’s passing. I can just imagine the pain & suffering that you’re feeling. Charlie was such a good husband & father. His influence & the special memories that you shared, will continue to live. Love, Stacey, Jamie & Kelly Goldberg
Dear Shirley & Lydia, There are no words to describe how our hearts ache for you during this time of loss. Charlie was such a special man, one of the most loving, kind and faithful we have ever known. In all the years we knew him we never remember him saying an unkind word about anybody. He loved the Lord and he loved the two of you deeply. Honest to a fault. Always the first in line to help in any way possible. On our lifetime journey we have seldom met anyone so straight and true as Charlie Gessner. Our love and our prayers are with you. Love always, Gary & Sue Carpenter
Dear Shirley and Lydia,
I am so very saddened to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the fond memories you share and may God give you much peace for each day ahead. With deep sympathy and prayers being lifted up for both of you and all who love Charlie.
Dear Shirley and Lydia,
We are very sorry to hear the news of Charlie’s passing. Please know that we are praying for you both and for Charlie.
Our deepest sympathy,
Karen and Gregg Libbey
Dear Shirley and Lydia, Bob and I were so saddened and shocked to hear that Charlie has passed away. We don’t even know what to say except we love you and are thinking of and praying for you both as well as your family. It just makes us heartsick to think of all you are going through. Charlie was a special guy and we always enjoyed your Christmas letters/photos. They were a testament to what a close family you were. Bob and Susan Cameron, Frisco TX
Shirley and Lydia, we are all so sorry for the pain you are going thru. To loose such a great guy like your dad and husband. Almost more sadness than one person can bare. You are in our hearts and prayers. He was lucky to have such a great family. Love Kathy Troje
Shirley, Lydia and all of Charles family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very sad time . What a great picture of Charles you can keep close to your heart . Take Care.
Dan and Karen Rosonke
Shirley, Lydia and family,
I am stunned at the news of Charlie’s departure……my heart is aching for you right now. Even though it is a temporary absence, it is such an immediate, up close and personal loss for you. I know how much Charlie loved all of you. He will be missed. You are in my prayers now and in the time ahead.
Rick Linde- Plymouth, MN.
Shirley and Lydia, I am so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for you and your whole family. May the Lord be with you in this difficult time. Stacie Shekleton and Family
Shirley and Lydia, we were so saddened when we heard the news about Charlie! He was an amazing person! We know you will miss him dearly! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
With Love – Bev, Katie, TK and Troy Coody
Aunt Shirley and Lydia we are so very sorry for your loss. We have so many fond memories of Uncle Charlie. We will remember him as a Godly, loving, family man. He was always so happy to be with “his girls.” Praying for God’s strength and comfort during this difficult time. Much love – Brian, Megan, Sarah and Josh
Dear Shirley and Lydia,
You have my prayers and sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. I know it is a hard time for both of you. May God’s loving, healing presence and peace be with you.
Shirley and Lydia I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly miss here in Calmar by many. Iknow I will especially miss him. He always worked me in if I had an emergency. Or when our kids were busy with sports.He always asked about our military family,where they were and what they were doing. Dick is UPS driver for New Hampton. He said one day he had seen Charlie and he didn’t look so good. I am so sorry for your loss!!! Strange thing Dick also lost his Brother the same day also to cancer.He had leukiema for about 7 years. May peace be with them both. We will think of you often.
It says in Philippians 4:8 …whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. That describes Charlie perfectly.