Gene J. Chambers

Gene J. Chambers, 95, of Charles City, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at his home with his two daughters by his side. Private family graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City per Gene’s request.

Gene Chambers was born on March 14, 1929, in Charles City, Iowa to Richard and Leona (Tolliver) Chambers. A lifelong resident, Gene would say that by the time he was nine years old there was not a street or alley in Charles City that he had not explored. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1947. Gene started his working life at the May Drug Store, and it was here he met the love of his life, Shirley Thatcher.

In early 1951, Gene was drafted and attended boot camp in Fort Riley, Kansas. He married Shirley on a two week leave on May 6, 1951. Gene was then deployed to Korea. While in Korea Gene was assigned as a medic and drove a transport ambulance jeep. He lovingly named his jeep Shirley.

After serving in Korea, Gene returned to the States, and he and Shirley spent the remainder of Gene’s service time in Colorado Springs. Gene always referred to Korea as a “war” and not a conflict.

Upon returning, Gene and Shirley began their life in Charles City. Gene, with the help of his father, built his own home in 1957, and it was the only home he lived in for the next 67 years. Using the G.I. Bill, Gene attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa.

Gene worked for the Flaharty Motor Company for several years, and later joined the Oliver Corporation. Gene finished out his working career at the Hanford Inn in Mason City, commuting each day. His side hustle was tuning and fixing pianos, which he did on Saturdays for many years.

After Gene retired in 1991, he and Shirley had many adventures traveling the back roads of Iowa and eating out in Mom-and-Pop restaurants. He was part of a regular weekday afternoon golf group at Wildwood golf course where he lost many dimes playing with this fun group of fellas. He loved to take his 12-foot fishing boat up to Mitchell and cruise the Cedar River looking for bass.

After Gene lost his wife in 2017, he regularly attended the Senior Center for daily meals and friendship. He often could be found shooting a game of pool before lunch.

Gene is survived by his two daughters: Deanna (Steve) Riess of Marion, and Karen (Scott) Nolte of Charles City; grandchildren: Tim (Rose) Riess of Davenport, Kristin (Aric) Folden of Marion, Megan (Nick) Schmitt of Ely, and Sarah Nolte of Cedar Rapids; great grandchildren: August, Wynn, Lilly, Maggie, Mari and Talia; two sisters: Lois Freiberg of Charles City and Lola Hesse of Cedar Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Von Chambers; and brothers-in-law:  Dick Freiberg and Duane Hesse.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to the Charles City Community Center (formerly the Senior Center) or St. Croix Hospice.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.