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BORN
1941
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Charles Gender Obituary
Charles Lee Gender, age 84, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his home on February 20, 2026, while sitting in his favorite recliner.
Charles was born on June 23, 1941, to Charlie and Sofie Gender. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in France during his time in the service. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career with Pioneer Telephone Company, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.
An avid fisherman, Charles found great joy on the water and was a passionate collector of antique fishing lures and fishing gear. Fishing was more than a pastime for him. It was a lifelong passion that brought him peace and many treasured memories.
He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Raymond Reiswig of Kingfisher.
He is survived by his nephew and niece, Dennis and Denise Reiswig of Huntsville, Texas; his great nieces and nephews, Heather and Paul Tessman of Montgomery, Texas, and Alicia and Austin Westfall of Kyle, Texas; and five beloved great great nieces and nephews, Bella Tessman, Kenna Tessman, Charlie Tessman, Asher Westfall, and Ander Westfall; and cousins, Shirley and Shannon Worley.
Charles will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady character, and deep love of fishing and family.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Sanders Funeral Service Chapel with burial to follow at Banner Cemetery under the direction of Sander Funeral Service.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gender
Shannon Preble
March 17, 2026
Charles, was a good man. I knew him all my life. He was my moms first cousin. His mom Sophia was my grandfather’s sister.
After Charles sister,Charlene and brother n law, Raymond passed away, I got to know Charles much better.
Charlene had left me some information on the Preble ancestry and then one day Charles called me up and asked if I would like more genealogy information.
We talked at length and he gave me a book he had put together.
Somewhere, in the mix of that I decided he needed someone like me in his life. I decided I would take over a small bit of what Charlene had done for him.
I knew he had Dennis and his family, but there was no one else really in close proximity.
I started showing up at his house on June 23rd with a birthday cake and gift in hand.
On holidays, I invited him to come eat with us, but he never would. Later that day, I would show up at his house with meals and extra to last a few days. He enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners the best.
He told me Mince meat pie was his favorite, so occasionally I would show up with a mincemeat pie.
He was getting a little Leary of driving in OKC to his Drs. appointments, so I told him I would take him, even if he needed a stint or pace maker put in at the heart hospital. I offered to go, wait until he was out of surgery and then go back and pick him up.
He ultimately decided against the surgery.
He wanted his front yard raked and some bushes trimmed. I was waiting until spring to surprise him with my yard work skills, but now he’s gone.
He was good to me. He was proud to be family. Charlene and Raymond were too. Raymond made me a birdhouse. I still have it. It’s hard to talk about Charles with out talking about them. I loved them all. They were steady and unwavering in loyalty to those they loved.
Even Charles and Charlene’s parents were good to me, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Sophia. They lived down the street from my house when I was little. If I would get mad at my mom or dad I would run to their house and tell them all about it.
They would talk to me for a while, give me a snack, ( uncle Charlie loved saltine crackers) let me visit Uncle Charlie’s bird and send me back home. While I was on my way back they would call my mom and tell her I was on my way.
The Genders, Prebles and Reiswig’s have a long line of hardworking, honest, and good people. I am proud to be related to them.❤❤❤ ~ RIP Charles, you will be deeply missed.
Patricia Mueggenborg
March 5, 2026
I worked with Charlie many years. When he retired, he started calling me on my birthday and holidays. Then after a few years, he would call me more often, almost every week up until the day before he died. He always made me laugh and said I was one of his favorite people to tease. Such a nice man with a big heart. Sure thought a lot of him. He would always hold the door for you at work with one hand and hold his other hand out for money always teasing of course. lol. I know he sure loved his nephews and nieces as he talked of them often. Prayers for the family and all who loved him
Ronald Teigen
March 2, 2026
I served with Charles in France . He was good friend . Had many long talks with him over the years.
Donna Steen
February 25, 2026
Charlie worked with my dad at Pioneer for years. He was always so nice and he was always telling my dad to give me more when I came in to get money from my dad. RIP Charlie!! ♥
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Kurt Henderson
February 25, 2026
I met Charlie when we worked at pioneer. He was a big reason I got into lure collecting. He was straight up the most knowledgeable person there was when it came to antique fishing tackle. Rip Charlie.
Debbie Gooden
February 24, 2026
Charlie worked at Pioneer the same time I did. He was well liked, a really nice person with a big heart.
Michael Baustert
February 24, 2026
I worked for many years with Charlie at Pioneer. He was a valuable and trusted employee. He was very precise in his work, but more importantly, he was a great friend and mentor. We shared a lot of laughs, he will be sorely missed. Condolences and Prayers.
Molly Klefstad
February 24, 2026
We miss you so much already. Thanks for loving this little boy so much and bringing so much joy to our lives We love you forever!
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Sanders Funeral Service - Kingfisher124 East Broadway, Kingfisher, OK 73750