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Charles Russell Lehotsky
Charles Russell Lehotsky
Obituary
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Charles Lehotsky Obituary
Born on December 16, 1954, in Calexico, California, Chuck spent most of his childhood in San Diego, graduating from high school in 1973. He earned his bachelor's degree in Geology from UCLA in 1977, and his master's degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1982.
Chuck's professional career as a geologist spanned 12 years from 1982 to 1996, as an Environmental Specialist in Aurora, Colorado, as a Senior Staff Geologist for Woodward-Clyde Consultants in San Diego, as a Hydrogeologist for the County of San Diego and the State of Washington in Olympia, and finally as an Environmental Specialist in San Diego.
Chuck returned to school in 1996 to become an elementary school teacher for the Tehachapi Unified School District. Known to his 1st grade students as "Mr. Lehotsky," many parents shared that he had been their child's favorite teacher. Chuck retired from teaching in 2017.
Chuck was a devoted caregiver and companion to his mother and played a vital role in hosting family celebrations in Tehachapi. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in nature. As a meticulous gardener, Chuck took pride in a well-kept yard and beautiful landscaping around his home.
Faith was a cornerstone of Chuck's life. A devout Christian, he regularly prayed for those he loved and found comfort in devotionals, scripture, and music. Even after his cancer diagnosis in 2024, Chuck remained hopeful and resilient and expressed deep gratitude for the doctors and specialists who supported him throughout his treatment. Chuck spent his final days at Hoffmann Hospice Home in Bakersfield, where he was surrounded by his loving family and caring hospice staff.
Chuck is survived by his mother, Imogene Butts; his siblings, Robin O'Connor (Bill), Caryl "Buddy" Lehotsky (Toni), and Martha Duitsman (Ed); and his many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following organizations or any charity of your choice:
Hoffmann Hospice Home - https://hoffmannhospice.org/donate/
Melanoma Research Foundation - http://justgiving.com/campaign/charlesrusselllehotsky
7 Entries
Barry Jones
July 14, 2025
You'll be greatly missed Chuck. You were a great teacher to my son, and a great customer and friend for 25 plus years. Rest in Peace my brother in Christ.
Alex Robb
July 8, 2025
Chuck was a wonderful friend, colleague, and teacher. I first met him while he was teaching first grade at Tompkins Elementary School in Tehachapi, CA.
His classroom was bright and cheery, with art on the walls and balloons decorated to resemble the Earth hanging from the ceiling. My wife, a secondary teacher, visited his classroom and wanted our daughters to have him as their teacher. He was loving and patient, and he let me talk his leg off.
We both stayed very busy, so I would only see him occasionally during the week. I remember him jogging with his first graders around the grass field even when he was 60 years plus in age. Amazing.
He made teaching look effortless, much like Fred Astaire dancing. His background was incredible as he had been a geologist for many years in Olympia, Washington. He told one time the hardest class he took in college was organic chemistry. My wife agreed. He used to give me tips on teaching math word problems and multi-step problems to 5th graders:)
Yes, and he was a praying man who loved his church family at Mountain Bible. I know that he was greeted at the gates to Heaven with `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.´
Miss you Chuck!
Mona and Tom Davis
June 27, 2025
While Chuck was only in Olympia a short time, he quickly became part of our family. Our kids knew him as "Uncle Chuck". We didn't see him many times after he moved to Tehachapi but he was faithful to send candy every Christmas. He is greatly missed. Our prayers are with you all.
Martha Duitsman
June 18, 2025
Forever in our hearts
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Marita Bruhn
June 18, 2025
My thoughts and prayers to you all. Chuck was a gentle soul. One of the kindest men I have ever met. Always a smile and kind words. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace Chuck..
Kaye webster
June 18, 2025
You were such a kind, peaceful friend! We loved camping with you Chuck, you will be missed
Robin OConnor
June 18, 2025
So sad to say goodbye! He´s left a huge hole in our family!
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