Charles Duenckel

Charles "Charlie" Edward Duenckel, age 80, of Jefferson City, MO passed away peacefully Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Heisinger Bluffs West, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles was born on July 16, 1945, in Jefferson City, MO, son of the late Edward and Laura (Angerer) Duenckel. He was united in marriage on July 24, 1965, to Virginia Lee Kauffman at Grace Lutheran Church in Dewitt, Iowa.

A lifetime resident of the Jefferson City area, Charles went to elementary school at Immanuel Lutheran School in Honey Creek. He was a 1963 graduate of Cole R-V High School in Eugene, MO. He farmed in the Honey Creek community for many years. He was proud of the Black Angus cattle that he raised and the many acres he farmed. He also drove the school bus for Cole R-V Eugene and Blair Oaks School Districts for over 50 years until his retirement. His favorite bus route was taking children with disabilities to the Special Learning Center. He also worked for Mertens Oil, The City of Jefferson, and Bill Gratz Real Estate.

Charles was a man of strong faith that guided him throughout life. He was a lifelong active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Honey Creek, serving on many boards and as an usher for many years.

He enjoyed using his woodworking skills to make sand tables, bookshelves, and doll cradles for his grandchildren, as well as many projects for Virginia's classroom. Charlie cherished time spent attending his grandchildren's grade school, high school, and college activities. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Besides time with family, he spent a lot of hours gardening and generously gave away his bounty to family, friends, and strangers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia; three children: Gail Duenckel of Fulton, MO, Curt Duenckel (Renee) of Jefferson City, MO, and Corey Duenckel (Pettina) of Eugene, MO; four grandchildren, Cole Duenckel (Reagan), Jordan Duenckel (Jensen), Sydney Duenckel, and Claire Duenckel; sister, Bernice Blochberger; sister-in-law, Beth Haring; brother-in-law, Kim Haring; sister-in-law, Evie Kauffman, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Laura Duenckel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Dorothy Kauffmann; brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Virginia Duenckel; brother-in-law, Dan Kauffman, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the name of Charles Duenckel to Immanual Lutheran Church Gym Expansion Fund or Calvary Lutheran High School.

Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek an additional visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, with services following at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek with Pastor Steve Resner officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com