Charles Leland Mathias, 82, of Chandler passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Born August 27, 1940 in Austin, MN, he was the son of the late Carl Mathias and Violenta (Justin) Mathias. Charles (Chuck) was raised in St. Paul, graduating from Central High School in 1958. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959, completing basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas and received advanced training in Aviation Electronics at Sheppard AFB before being stationed overseas at airbase Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, England.. Following his honorable discharge in 1963 as Airman First Class, Chuck attended St. Paul Technical Institute where he received training in Computer Mainframe Maintenance and Repair. While attending trade school in St. Paul Chuck met his future wife of 37 years Gertrud Luferseder. Chuck and Gertie were married in 1966 in Munich, Germany. During his career Chuck worked for several large electronics companies and lived in many places including Washington, California, Texas, Canada and Germany before moving to Chandler, AZ in 1996 and retiring in 2000.. Chuck was passionate about many things including bicycling, hiking, travel, cooking and new adventures. He was also a volunteer “Navigator” at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport providing assistance to travelers from around the world. Chuck is predeceased by his wife Gertie who passed in 2004. While bicycling with groups in Chandler Chuck met Marilyn (Thompson) McDermott and they were married in 2006. Chuck and Marilyn enjoyed many years of cycling and traveling the globe together, experiencing new places and cultures. Chuck was also predeceased by sisters Leda Connor and Sharon Mathias. He is survived by wife Marilyn McDermott of Chandler, sister Shirley (José) Gallardo of St. Paul, MN and daughter Christina (Ken) Mykytiuk of Maricopa, AZ, and nieces and a nephew. Chuck will be interred at the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN in early 2023 followed by a celebration of his life with family and close friends.
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