Charles Edwin "Chuck" Gaukel II, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to him.

Chuck was born on October 15, 1975, in Lodi, California, to Charlie Gaukel and Patsy Crapson. As the youngest of four children, Chuck was jokingly known in the family as the "Number One Son"—a title he wore with a grin. He grew up in Galt, California, where he attended local schools. During middle school and high school, he was known for his love of music and his talent playing the trumpet and coronet.

After high school, Chuck began working at Save Mart Supermarkets in Galt, California. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alethea Boyer. Their love story began in the aisles of a grocery store and grew into a marriage that spanned more than twenty-six years. They were married in March of 2000 and built not just a home, but a life rooted in love, laughter, resilience, and an open door for anyone who needed a place to belong.

Together they made their home in northwest Missouri, settling in Elmo, Missouri, where Chuck worked at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing. Eventually, they found their forever home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where they spent the last eleven years. During that time, Chuck built a career at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where he worked with dedication, integrity, and pride. He built lasting friendships with his coworkers and was respected for the kind of man he was both on and off the job.

Chuck's greatest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Alethea, who loved him with all she had and more; his children, Colleen (Tanner) Russell, Charlie Gaukel, and Cordi Gaukel; and the daughter he lovingly claimed as his own, Jenna (Jared) Jassman.

Nothing brought Chuck more joy than being Pop. He adored his grandchildren: Echo, Teddy, Magnus, and Conrad Russell; Dean, Will, Phineas, and Westly Jassman; and he was eagerly anticipating the arrival of another grandchild. They were the light of his life and his greatest source of pride.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Rose; his best friend and chosen brother of more than 30 years, Martin Hartle; many nieces and nephews; his extended family; his beloved Taco Militia; and countless friends who became family over the years.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Gaukel and Patsy Crapson.

If you knew Chuck, you knew that his love language was food. He never met a stranger he couldn't feed, and he believed that sharing a meal was one of the best ways to bring people together. He loved to cook for family and friends, and his tacos became legendary among those who knew him.

Chuck also loved working on cars. Whether he was fixing something, improving it, or helping someone else get back on the road, he enjoyed the challenge of figuring things out and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty.

While he enjoyed fishing, he often joked that he preferred "catching." He found peace in the pine forests of Idaho, where he loved camping, hiking, exploring back roads, and spending time in the outdoors.

More than anything, Chuck loved taking care of people.

If someone needed help moving, repairing something, solving a problem, or simply needed someone to listen, Chuck was already on his way. He never expected recognition or repayment. He gave freely of his time, his talents, and his heart. His home always had room for one more person, his table always had room for another plate, and his life always had room for someone who needed a friend.

If you were hungry, he'd feed you. If you were hurting, he'd listen. If you needed help, he'd be there. That's simply who Chuck was.

He had a way of making people feel safe. His laugh was contagious, his hugs were genuine, and once you were one of Chuck's people, you were family forever. He listened without judgment, loved without conditions, and quietly showed up whenever he was needed. The lives he touched are too many to count.

In his final days, Chuck told those around him, "I'm not done with you yet."

Those words have become a source of comfort. Though his earthly work has ended, those who knew and loved him believe his love continues to surround them. His kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty remain woven into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. If there are guardian angels among us, there is little doubt that Chuck is watching over those he loved most.

The world is a little quieter without him, but immeasurably better because he was here.

At the end of the day, Chuck would probably want to be remembered simply as this:

He was a good guy.

For those who knew him, those four words say everything.

A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held at a later date.