Charles Sheaffer

April 29, 1923 - June 17, 2025

Charles Robert Sheaffer, "Charlie," of Helena, Mont., passed peacefully in his home at Touchmark, on June 17, 2025. He had recently celebrated his 102 birthday with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Charles was born on April 29, 1923, in Oakville, Wash., to George and Cora Sheaffer. He was the youngest of five children, with older sisters, Lillian and Mabel, and brothers, Donald and Kenneth (all deceased.)

He married Charlotte Pritchard in May 1952, in Mt. Vernon, Wash. They were married for 25 years and had three children, Gretchen (deceased), Jane, and Chuck. In February 1982, he married Ann Boettiger in Auburn, Calif., and they enjoyed a wonderful life together for 35 years until Ann's death.

Charles graduated from Oakville High School in 1941 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He attended the University of Washington in 1941, and was a member of the 1943 basketball team that made it to the final four of the NCAA Western Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. The next two years Charles spent in the United States Army, but returned to play on the Husky basketball teams in 1946 and 1947, being elected captain of the team in 1947. Charles received a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1948.

From August 1943 to July 1945, Charles served in the United States Army going ashore with the 25th Infantry Division at the landing on the beach at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Pl. After 95 consecutive days of combat, Charles was wounded during a Japanese Banzai attack, receiving a Purple Heart.

Upon graduating from college, Charles joined the USDA Processed Products Division, where he served as a processed foods inspector in various processing facilities in Washington and Oregon. From there he went on to spend 30 years in the food processing industry, earning a place in the 1991 edition of "Who's Who of California."

In 1974, Charles began a 25-year career in the consulting industry working for Foodpro International where he retired in 1999 after serving as Executive Vice President. His career took him all over the United States, and to several countries including Taiwan, Iran, South America, Mexico, Libya, and Niger.

Charles was extremely proud of his family and followed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's lives closely. For many years he sponsored annual family trips to Seattle for UW football games, and was an avid sports fan. He was fondly called "the Wagon-master" due to his careful planning and organizational skills which he continued to implement until his passing.

Charles' adult life was shaped by his deep Christian faith. Up to his final days, the significance of Charles' relationship with the Lord was evident.

He is survived by his daughter, Jane Garcin (Mark) of Helena, Mont.; son, Charles Sheaffer Jr. (Autumn) Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren, Jenifer Garcin (Seth) Polaris, Mont., Jacob Garcin (Katie Rae) Helena, Mont., and Katherine Garcin Forba (Matt) Helena, Mont. He is also survived by his two great-grandchildren, Emma and Eli Garcin of Helena, Mont.; niece, Robin Sheaffer of Lacey, Wash.; and nephew, Doug Sheaffer of Sunnyvale, Calif.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and his daughter, Gretchen; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial and military service is planned in Auburn, Calif., in September.

A special thank you to Simple Cremation, the Touchmark staff, and Headwaters Hospice for their caring and compassionate care.

Simple Cremation Montana

315 E Sixth Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

(406)410-1321

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record on Jul. 5, 2025.