Charles Steven Moler

1951 - 2021

Charles Steven Moler

Charlie Moler died May 5, 2021, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Stockton, CA. He was a graduate of the CMR High School class of 1970.

Charlie was born December 13, 1951, in Vinita, OK, and moved with the family to Great Falls in 1959. He enlisted in the Army after high school and was stationed in Germany for several years. On returning to the US, he was stationed in San Jose, CA. California became Charlie's home and he only occasionally returned to Montana to visit. Charlie worked for NXP Semiconductors in San Jose.

Charlie and Lois Prouty Block were married April 6, 1979. They were together for 46 years in all. Charlie and Lois built a house in Valley Springs, CA, and he commuted to San Jose until he retired in 2013.

While it is important to note these milestones—service to country, loyalty to an employer--Charlie will be remembered especially for his kind spirit and complete devotion to Lois and their family. Charlie was a family man, and treated everyone he met as family. He was always happy, laughing, loved hosting family gatherings, and was always ready to help others. In retirement, he was quite busy doing things around their house.

One of Charlie's first jobs in high school was at Wong's Restaurant in Great Falls. The skills he learned there would earn him high praise through the years as a cook. His cooking was so popular that he has an album of photos on his smartphone titled "Mr. Martha Stewart."

Charlie's dad died in a tragic accident just months before Charlie was born, so he never knew his dad. After moving to Montana, Charlie had a dad--Theodore Reather. Charlie would pay that kindness forward by joyfully stepping into the role of dad when he and Lois married. He became a stepfather to Lois' son, Tony, and Lois' great-niece, Vanessa. Charlie proudly gave Vanessa away on her wedding day and would be at the hospital for the births of all the grandchildren.

Lois passed away February 15, 2021; Charlie, 79 days later, on May 5, 2021. Charlie was predeceased by his father, Leo Elbert Moler; mother, Dixie (Moler) Reather; and stepfather Theodore Reather. He is survived by Anthony and Charlotte Block; Vanessa and Jose Portillo; grandchildren Scott and Tracee Block; Priscilla, Marcello, Selma, and Celia Portillo; brothers Chuck Moler, Great Falls; Nick Reather, Helena; and Tom Reather, Tulsa, OK; sisters Kathy Slehofer, Billings; and Carla McMillen, Coweta, OK, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He will be missed by many, but left us very rich in memories.