CHARLENE GANGEL

CHARLENE GANGEL 08/26/1930 - 11/26/2025 Charlene J. "Char" Gangel, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, after months of declining health. Born on August 26, 1930, in Grand Island, Neb., Char was the daughter of Joe and Edna Rajewich, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and a vibrance for life. Char carried those values with her to University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated in 1952 with a degree in Business Administration and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. While at UNL, she met her perfect match, William J. "Bill" Gangel. The two married May 10, 1952, and soon built a full life complete with family, friendship, and fun. After brief careers in Omaha and Norfolk, Neb., they settled in Nebraska City, where they operated Gangel Oil and Tire Company, founded by Bill's father, Joe Gangel. In Nebraska City, Char and Bill raised four children and became deeply involved in the community. For decades, Char served as an organist at St. Mary's Catholic Church, bringing her musical gifts to countless services and celebrations. She was known not only for her talent, but for the joy and reverence she brought to her music. Char embraced life fully and enthusiastically. She was a community volunteer and a gracious and gifted hostess who thrived in a lively social circle. She and Bill loved entertaining, gathering with friends, neighbors, and family for parties filled with laughter, libations, card games, and Char's trademark wit. In the 1990s, they lived at nearby Lake Wa-Con-Da, hosting too many parties and boat rides to count. She was an avid golfer and was even a charter member of the first ladies' golf league at Steinhart Park Golf Club. Char's love for her family trumped all, but little else captured her heart quite like bridge. A dedicated player for 80 years (she learned to play at age 14), she excelled in duplicate bridge and proudly achieved Life Master status. She played with many partners over the years, but especially treasured her "four-decade team" with her daughter, Jane, and friends Diane and Karen, each of which was born in a different decade. In retirement, she and Bill wintered in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where they added many treasured friends through golf and bridge. After relocating to Omaha in 2019, she continued to play bridge into her 90s. She made many new friends at Ovation Assisted Living, where she resided happily for the past two years, learning more new card games and becoming a Wii Bowling champion. Char is survived by her children Mike (Gina) Gangel and Jane (Bob) Slezak of Omaha, and Tom (Rose) Gangel of Gilbert, Ariz.; eight grandchildren Scott (Jessica) Slezak and Brett Slezak, Ryan and Julianne Spalti, all of Omaha; Anna Slezak of Chicago, Ill.; Carolyn Gangel and Kate (Brad) Painchaud of Wichita, Kan.; and Duncan Spalti of Houston, Texas; as well as her great-grandchildren Frances Slezak of Omaha and Maya Painchaud of Wichita, and several nieces. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Bill Gangel; her daughter, Ann Gangel Spalti; parents, Joe and Edna Rajewich; brothers, Glen Rajewich and Jerry (Pam) Rajewich; parents-in-law Joe and Jane Gangel, and brother-in-law Bob (Marilyn) Gangel. Char's life was defined by grace, intelligence, humor, and generosity. She loved deeply, competed fiercely, welcomed everyone, and left a mark on every community she touched. Those who knew her will remember her as a woman who lived life with intention and joy, and who made the world brighter simply by being in it. She will be dearly missed. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nebraska City with Fr. Thomas Schultes celebrating the Mass. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery at Nebraska City. The family greeted friends on Tuesday, December 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak & Cutler Funeral Home; 7805 West Center Rd. Omaha, NE 68124. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Lourdes Endowment Fund or the donor's favorite charity. Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.