Born in Houston, Texas, to Charlie and Lib Hagemeier, Chuck spent his whole life in what seemed like a perpetual state of excitement and joy. He was formed and nurtured at Berachah Church, where his father served as a deacon; in the Boy Scouts, where he reached the rank of Eagle Scout; as a violinist in the school orchestra, where he developed a lifelong love of classical music; and at home, where he shared a love of visual art and architecture with his mother.
Chuck, along with his older brother Hal and younger sister Betsy, attended the University of Texas for his undergraduate degree. While there, Chuck found a natural outlet for his love for people as an Freshman Orientation Advisor, while his academic excellence earned his induction into the honor society Phi Beta Kappa. Chuck's jubilant personality was a natural fit for theatre, which he pursued before eventually earning a history degree and a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. Chuck's job as a communications officer took him to Germany, where he was responsible for assessing communications readiness at Air Force bases across Europe.
One fateful night in Kaiserslautern, Chuck accepted an invitation to an opera in which a friend was singing (she traded him tickets for a case of Tab). As the show ended, Chuck recruited audience members all around him to help shower the stage in flowers. One of the performers taking her bows that night and eyeing the strange, enthusiastic Air Force officer was Billie Jean Johnson - who would turn out to be the love of Chuck's life.
Chuck and Billie courted in Germany before Chuck was transferred to a base in England. Once he was there, Billie worried that the relationship might be in trouble (after the first month, Chuck's calls had gotten short and vague). For his part, Chuck worried about his $3,000 long distance bill, and hiding his weekend travels across Europe looking for the perfect engagement ring. Eventually they got it sorted out, and were engaged atop a hill in the Jardin exotique d'Eze, overlooking the French Riviera. Soon after, on June 30 1984, they were married in Billie's hometown of Oakdale, Louisiana.
Married life started long-distance, but Chuck was soon able to rejoin Billie in Germany, where she continued to perform. In 1986 their son Matthew was born in Dusseldorf, and in 1987, with Chuck's military service concluded, the family returned to the United States for good.
Chuck had retired from the Air Force, and Billie from the stage. They began their next act in Lubbock, Texas, where Billie took a teaching job and Chuck began to study architecture at Texas Tech. After four years of study, Chuck graduated from Texas Tech with a Masters Degree in architecture. His thesis project, naturally, was an opera house.
Over his career, Chuck worked at multiple architecture firms, but unquestionably his most fruitful professional partnership was the twenty years he spent at Gensler. There, Chuck worked as a programmer, consultant, and rarely (but with deep pleasure) as a designer. A good listener and organizer, Chuck was often requested by clients who had worked with him before. Around the office, Chuck was especially valued for his constant desire to bring joy to the work – whether that meant advocating for bigger, brighter, bolder colors in their projects, or simply adding levity to a meeting or conversation. He dearly loved his Gensler family.
Outside of work, Chuck was devoted to faith and family. Wherever he went, Chuck was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He was a focused student, always asking questions and pushing to understand, who considered the study of the Scriptures his highest calling in life. Chuck was equally devoted to his family. He would burst with pride when discussing his wife's doctoral accomplishments, or his son's studies. Toward the end of their 31 years of marriage, Chuck dedicated himself completely to Billie's care, even to the point of sacrificing his own health. In the two years following her death, Chuck frequently expressed his gratitude for her place in heaven, and - what else? his overwhelming excitement to go and join her in the next act of their adventure together.
Chuck is survived and will be forever missed by his son Matt Hagemeier of Marble Falls, brother Hal Hagemeier of Fairfax, and sister Betsy Hagemeier of Austin, in addition to countless in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Chuck loved flowers, the brighter (or purple-er) the better. If friends wish to make a contribution in his name, the family suggests either Austin Bible Church: P.O. Box 142648, Austin, Texas 78714; or Camp Peniel: 6716 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, Texas 78654.
A memorial service for Chuck will be held March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Sparkman Funeral Home, located at 1029 S Greenville Ave, Richardson, TX 75081. The family requests that attendees wear something (a tie, socks, an accessory) with a pop of color.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Hagemeier family.
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