Charles Kriesel

Charles F. Kriesel passed away November 27, 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 69 years. He was born June 16, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Orpha Kriesel; and sister Elaine Coolidge.

He is survived by his sister Darlene (Clint) Jones; brother-in-law John (Teri) Coolidge; nieces and nephews John (Darci) Coolidge, Jr., Gillian (David) Hanus, Joseph (Lana) Benson, Jr., Christopher (Carey) Coolidge, and Christiana (Christopher) O'Neal; many loving great nieces and nephews; best friends Bill and Kathy Riehle; and other family and friends.

"Chuck", as he was known to almost everyone, graduated from Westside High School in 1972 and then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha before moving to Peoria, Arizona where he worked as an optical equipment technician and developed his love for the great outdoors, especially hiking the Grand Canyon all the way to the bottom many times. He returned to Omaha in the mid-eighties and worked as a Production Engineering Technician for Western Electric, where he was employed for the rest of his career through many structural reorganizations before retiring from Avaya.

Chuck could fix anything, and generously shared his skills with his family and friends when it came to home or car repairs, desiring only your company as payment. He was always happy to help and could be counted on day or night in case of an emergency; Chuck would be there.

Chuck had a curious mind and took as much time taking things apart as he did putting them back together in an effort to figure out the "how" of a machine's operation. He enjoyed driving cars, piloting small planes, trying new foods and then recreating the recipes in his home kitchen. He loved riding his bike almost every day the sun was shining, his tropical fish tank, his daily walks with his friends and their dogs and most especially: he loved his cat companions for the last fifteen years, Tigger and Lucy Liu, who will surely miss his adoration and attentive care of them.

A Scooter's coffee run every morning was Chuck's favorite way to start the day. He had great hair and easily looked ten years younger than his 69 years. His delicious pumpkin cheesecake, his quick, dry wit and his immeasurable love for the people and pets in his life will be missed by everyone who knew him. He loved and knew the Lord, Jesus Christ, and in the midst of our sadness, we celebrate this Gentle Giant's homecoming in Heaven.

Please direct memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Nebraska Humane Society. A Celebration of Life is pending.