Charles "Chuck" Splonskowski

Charles E. Splonskowski (Chuck) passed away on January 19, 2026, with his two daughters by his side. He lived a life centered on caring for others—his patients, his troops, his community, his friends, and most especially, his family. Whether he was making repairs in his daughters’ homes or arranging support for a veteran, Chuck was always finding ways to help. He was someone you could always call on when you needed a hand. He loved taking pictures of his grandkids and seemed to attract every baby and pet in the room. When he wasn’t puttering, walking his beloved dog, or reading history books, Chuck could often be found in his recliner taking a “combat nap,” ideally with a grandchild asleep on his chest. He was a kind man with a dry, gentle sense of humor, and his charm and the twinkle in his eye are dearly missed.

Chuck was born in Troy, New York, on May 19, 1947, to Marvin E. and Lillian (McLaughlin) Splonskowski. He grew up in Queens and Albany and graduated from Bishop Gibbons High School in 1965. He then joined the United States Air Force, completing Medical Service Specialist training. His first assignment at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan gave him experience in the newborn nursery, emergency room, and medical support for nearby radar sites.

While stationed there, Chuck met his future wife, Jeanette Sunie, on a blind date in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He proposed on their third date. She didn’t accept, but agreed to see him again when he returned from his new assignment. Their relationship deepened through letters while Chuck served in Southeast Asia on a civic action team in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. After Chuck separated from the Air Force in April, they were married on August 30, 1969, and began their life together in Auburn, New York.

Recognizing the value of his military training, Chuck reenlisted in 1971 and built a long-term career in the Air Force. He served in a variety of medical roles, including emergency room technician and NCOIC of several units, while completing advanced training and leadership programs. His early assignments took him to the Plattsburgh AFB, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Griffiss Air Force Base. After six years, Jeanette was commissioned as a nurse and the family transferred to Pease Air Force Base. The next assignment was Germany, where Chuck served as an Independent Duty Medical Technician and later as NCOIC of Family Practice and Emergency Services. Under his leadership, the emergency room at Hahn Air Base received an exceptionally rare outstanding rating.

Chuck later served at the Utah Test and Training Range and Wurtsmith Air Force Base before being promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in 1989. He was selected as Command Medical Service Manager at Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, becoming the last person to hold that position. After SAC was deactivated in 1992, he served as the Command Medical Service Manager, Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio until his retirement in 1997. Chuck and Jeanie celebrated their joint retirement that year in a ceremony that perfectly reflected their partnership.

In retirement, they settled in Hurley, Wisconsin, where Chuck embraced rural life. He took pride in landscaping, clearing snow, and maintaining their property with his John Deere tractors. He also remained active in his community, serving as Supervisor and then Chairman of the Town of Carey, working for the U.S. Postal Service, and later as the Veterans Services Officer for Iron County.

Chuck and Jeanie enjoyed traveling, attending festivals, and spending time with their daughters and grandchildren in Massachusetts and Nebraska. They frequently visited their daughters and grandchildren, cheering them on at hockey games, football games, baseball and softball games, volleyball matches, and dance recitals—Chuck often behind the camera, capturing every moment. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in the Finger Lakes and their 50th in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where they had celebrated their 10th.

From 1998 to 2019, they hosted an annual Steele/Sunie family reunion each Fourth of July, welcoming dozens of family members, with Chuck proudly manning the grill.

In 2019, Chuck began experiencing memory loss and changes in his gait. The couple relocated to Papillion, Nebraska, in 2021 to be closer to family. In 2022, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and associated dementia. With the help of respite care, Jeanie cared for him at home until 2024, when he became a resident at Cedarhurst La Vista Memory Care Unit, where he was lovingly cared for until his passing.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jeanette; daughters Andrea (Kieran) Andre of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and Melanie (William) Philamalee of Papillion, Nebraska; grandchildren Eamonn, Teaghin, and Caitriona Andre; Chelsie (Billy) Greco, Morgan, Kara, and Ryan Philamalee; and great-grandchildren McKenna, Will, and Leighton Greco. He is also survived by his brothers James (Ann Marie) and Mark (Nancy) of Albany, New York; five sisters-in-law, Catherine Brewster of Colorado Springs, CO, Linda (Eugene) Korpi of Eau Claire, WI, Carol (Guy) Colasacco of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Diane (Harlan) Yanke of Waunakee, WI, and Debra Karvonen of Superior, WI; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal goldendoodle, Sisu—best dog ever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, John and Charlotte Sunie; and his brothers-in-law, Donald Sunie and James Karvonen.

A celebration of life will be held on May 21 at Kahler Dolce Funeral Home in Papillion Visitation will be at 10:30 AM with services at 12:30. Inurnment will follow at Omaha National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Vietnam Veterans Association, or a charity of your choice.