Jan. 21, 1927 – April 14, 2014

Charles F. Gelbke passed away April 14 in the comfort of his home in La Crescenta. He was born Jan. 21, 1927 in Birmingham Ala. He was raised by his father Louis and mother Daisy until the age of 18 when he met Edith. They moved to California in the early 1950s where they had their only son Greg in 1954. That same year, at the age of 27, Charles was drafted into the Army where he served two years.     After getting discharged from the Army he continued his optical career working for Detrix Optical in Los Angeles. In 1962, he worked for Day Optical in Montrose, where he worked for 25 years. He started Montrose Hearing Aid Center in the late 1980s where he worked until he retired.

After retirement he spent his time volunteering at Verdugo Hills Hospital. He enjoyed a happy marriage with Edith for over 67 years.

He is survived by his son Greg and daughter in-law Sherry and granddaughter Jessica, and adopted grandson Lucas.

A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service at noon.  The funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church – La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta on Friday, April 18 at 1 p.m.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com.

Crippen Mortuary directors