Charles Francis “Charlie” Gaffney, 93, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. He was born on September 8, 1929, in rural Buchanan County, the son of Francis Michael and Mary Genevieve (Heffernen) Gaffney. Charlie attended country school for grades 1-8, and then was a 1947 graduate of St. John Catholic High School in Ryan. He served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War.
On February 6, 1951, Charlie was united in marriage to Janet Pierce at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. Three children were born to this union. For several years, Charlie worked as a clerk at Becker’s Grocery, Philipp’s Drug Store, and then File’s Market for 11 years. For 27 years, he worked at Norby’s Farm Fleet, first as a clerk and then as general manager. After his retirement, Charlie was a beloved employee at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home for over 25 years.
Charlie was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, serving as the treasurer for 25 years. Charlie was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He assisted with several committees, including the Good Neighbor Home Care Review and Public Health Advisory Committee. Charlie and Janet enjoyed playing cards and were members of different card clubs over the years. Charlie knew no stranger and enjoyed visiting with people. He loved his family and cherished spending time with them.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Janet Gaffney of Manchester; three children, Kathy (Dick) Conrad of Marion, Jim (Lupé) Gaffney of Glendale, Arizona, and Mary (Kevin) Milroy of Silver Spring, Maryland; eight grandchildren, Scott (Lisa) Conrad, Sara (James) LeMosy, Erin Bailey, Megan Schuett, Bethany (Danny) Titman, Alexa Milroy (Ken Benjes), James Gaffney, and John Gaffney; eight great-grandchildren, Alex Conrad, Savannah Bailey, Evan Bailey, Connor Schuett, Carter Schuett, Everett LeMosy, Colin LeMosy, and Nathan Titman; one sister, Catherine Ralston of Cedar Rapids; one brother, Vince Gaffney of Apache Junction, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita (Harland) Brown; one sister-in-law, Joanne “Jodi” Gaffney; and brother-in-law, Lloyd “Blackie” Ralston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred by the family.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to7:00 p.m., on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester where there will be a 3:30 p.m., public Knights of Columbus Rosary Service. Friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Interment with Military Rites: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa
