Charles Donald "Chuck" Elsen

Charles (Chuck) Donald Elsen, of Lakewood, Colorado, age 86, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.Chuck was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on May 22, 1939, to George and Lavina Elsen. He somehow mastered the art of being both stubborn and generous, quiet and hilarious-and always certain he was right. He said, "I love you," and he showed it by showing up, usually with a tape measure in hand, ready to fix whatever needed fixing.Chuck had strong opinions. If you disagreed, that was fine-you were just wrong. He loved his family, his country, and his American Legion Post 178 family. Proud in his own way and loyal to his core, Chuck left a mark on all of us that won't fade.After graduating from high school, Chuck joined the United States Navy and the Silent Service, serving aboard submarines. He began on diesel-electric boats as a torpedoman, and later moved to the Polaris nuclear ballistic missile submarines-the first ballistic missile submarines-serving from 1957 to 1976. During his Navy career, he completed 16 patrols and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.After retiring from the Navy, Chuck perfected his woodworking skills through an apprenticeship under a master cabinet maker. In 1979, he founded Professional Wood Care, repairing and maintaining office furniture and features using a wood-care cleaner and a restoring oil of his own creation. After more than 30 years of success, Chuck retired from Professional Wood Care-but retirement only gave him more time to serve.Chuck dedicated his later years to American Legion Post 178 in Lakewood. He served as a Patriot Guard rider and as part of the color guard honoring service members at funerals. During a visit to his nephew in Oregon, Chuck saw ceiling tiles at a local American Legion painted with unit emblems, which inspired him to begin a similar project for his own post. Over the years, he created nearly 100 panels featuring unit emblems, ship crests, award winners, and other tributes-honoring those who served and called American Legion Post 178 their home.Chuck is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Elsen of Lakewood, Colorado; his oldest son, Todd Elsen (Jennifer) of Hays, Kansas; and his younger son, Trevor Elsen (Susan Bencivenga) of Bulverde, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lavina Elsen of Manson, Iowa; his brother, Ronald Elsen of Manson, Iowa; and his sister, Shirley Muenthaller of Ankeny, Iowa.Chuck's "Going Away Party" (A Celebration of Life) will be held at American Legion Post 178. The date will be announced.Instead of flowers, the family requests donations in Chuck's memory to American Legion Post 178, 1655 Simms St, Lakewood, CO 80215