Charles Francis Gehlbach

Charles “Charlie” passed away peacefully surrounded by his four children at his home in Meadow Vista. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday with his entire family that day and was feeling the love and support as he passed on to heaven.

Charlie was born in Monmouth, IL to Dean and Helen Gehlbach on February 21, 1933. His father was in the pottery business and his mother was a piano player and teacher. He had an older brother, Richard. Charlie’s love for music started early with piano lessons at 4 years old. He chose trumpet as his next instrument because the case had runners so he could use it as a sled when he would hold onto the running board of cars to and from school. He became a very popular and respected trumpet player. The family moved to Louisville for his father’s work when Charlie was 12 years old, then to California at age 14.

Charlie loved California. He was at Mark Keppel High School and the band was great, sports were fun, and school was “easy.” His 49 piece band marched in the Rose Parade for two years. He won several music awards in State Competitions. He went to UCLA for college and Medical school. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and said that “saved him.” He came out of his shell, learned to socialize, and that’s where he met Marilyn. They married February 22, 1957 during his 2nd year of Medical school at UCLA.

Charlie graduated in 1959 and off they went to Denver for his Internship. From 1960-1962, they lived in Austin, Texas where Charlie was a Captain in the Air Force as a Physician. At the end of the two years, there was a private practice in Auburn, CA looking for a physician. They moved to Auburn in 1962 and Charlie joined and became a partner of the Auburn Medical Clinic where he practiced for 35 years as a General Practice Physician, retiring in 1997. There were only 11 doctors in Auburn, all GP’s, when he came, and they “did it all.” He loved delivering babies, doing surgery, taking care of kids, making rounds at the hospital

before and after office hours, doing house calls, and taking care of his patients no matter what was needed. He loved his patients and practicing medicine.

Charlie loved Auburn. He loved the people, the town, raising his kids here, and all of the activities the area had to offer. He would say that Auburn was right in between Tahoe and San Francisco, which was perfect.

Retirement came a little early for Charlie to take care of the love of his life, Marilyn. She had early onset Parkinson’s. They were a beautiful, loving couple and they are now together again. Charlie did retirement very well. He always said he had two careers, Medicine and Music. He was the leader and in multiple jazz bands. The latest was Dr. Bach and the Jazz Practitioners. He loved Dixieland Jazz music. He loved to play it, listen to it, talk about it, and it was in his blood and soul. His jazz family and friends always had a special place in his heart. He spread so much joy to others through his music. He also loved to help mentor the youth with jazz music. He always had a way with kids and wanted to help them grow and succeed. He was recognized for this and other musical accomplishments by being awarded the “Emperor” of the Sacramento Jazz Festival at 83 years young.

Charlie’s family has always been his biggest priority and he was always a solid rock for his family. He lived by the “Golden Rule” of treating others as you would want to be treated. He lived his life with fun and always had something to do. He cherished his friends and loved any occasion to be with them. Charlie was an avid sports fan and played multiple sports his whole life with tennis and golf being his favorites.

Charlie was an inspiration. His zest for life, his perseverance, and his can-do attitude in all aspects of life were amazing. He touched so many lives and brought so much joy from his medical career, his music, his friendships, his family, and just meeting him for the first time. His personality was infectious and he always had a story. He has left a legacy of strong, caring, loving people who will carry on his special gifts. Charlie’s light will never go out for it will live in the hearts of all of us who have known and love him.

Charlie is survived by his sons Lars (Sally), Garth (Chris), daughter Suzanne, son Clark (Lynn), 11 grandchildren (2 spouses), 3 great grandchildren, and many

extended family members. He is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Gehlbach, his father Dean Gehlbach, his mother Helen Gehlbach, his brother Richard Gehlbach, and his infant brother Robert Gehlbach.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 16, 2023 at 1pm at the First Congregational Church, 710 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, CA. Reception at 3pm at The Ridge Golf Course and Event Center, 2020 Golf Course Road, Auburn, CA.

Online information at Chapel of the Hills. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at michaeljfox.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheHills-Auburn.com for the Gehlbach family.