Charles M. Kiess
September 26, 1952 ~ August 7, 2021
Charles M. Kiess passed away August 7, 2021 while sitting in a recliner watching a John Wayne movie. He was born September 26, 1952 in Upper Sandusky, OH.
He graduated from Ohio State University and then obtained a Master’s Degree at Lake Erie College. He taught English for the Perry, Conneaut and Geneva school districts.
Known by all as “The Pirate”, Chuck was an avid fisherman, always on the lookout for “Big Mike” and loved crossword puzzles, Westerns and socializing with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Jan (Schoenberger); children, Sara, Aaron (Tiffany Howard) and Emily. He was blessed with one grandson, Brecken who gave him much happiness. He is also survived by two sisters, Bonny Weimerskirch and Betty Hardy; as well as many nieces and nephews and the “brown dog” Lena. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Don, Tom and Bob Kiess.
We will miss him terribly.
There will be a backyard party on September 25th to celebrate his birthday. Contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to Lake Metroparks, 11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077 or www.lakemetroparks.com/get-involved/donate or Lake Erie Foundation, 236 Walnut Ave, Lakeside, OH 43440 www.lakeeriefoundation.org/donate. Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
The Kiess family has been part of my family (Posey) for almost my entire life. I will always remember Chuck for his straight faced humor and side smirk when he was being a stinker. Truly truly will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart, Shannon Salas (Posey)
We are deeply sorry for your loss
Sending love and hugs.
Oh my! What does one say about someone one has known for over 50 years, besides, I sure do miss him! Bob and I were in Madison to visit my Sister and Family two weeks ago and he was his usual self-engaging, hospitable, told us a story of a recent experience at a friend’s house in Upper Sandusky, and being his sociable self. Who would have thought our eyes would flood with tears just two weeks later! Before we came to visit in July we remarked that we were hungry for Walleye so what did he do, but go out to catch us some. Little did we realize it was our last Walleye meal with him. He was the storyteller of the family and boy could he spin some good yarns! His memory was sharp and he could go way back and talk about growing up in Upper Sandusky with his siblings, working at the family store, playing football and all his many antics. He would always insert some humor in each of his stories. He seemed to have a lot of fun just living. He lived a good life full of family, friends, fishing buddies, neighbors, and shared lots of good stories with us all! Ahoy Chuck!
I will miss Chuck Kiess. He had a good life as a husband, father, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, fisherman, educator, coach, athletic director and simply an all-around great guy. I think of many fond memories about him. At Christmas in Upper Sandusky he would always have a special gift for our mother-in-law, which were items like the following: boxing gloves, hockey stick, football helmet, baseball glove, football, and baskektball. The family members would wait to see what item would appear especially for her each year. I also enjoyed the fishing days that included my father-in-law and me over the years. We would go out on Lake Erie about 11 miles in his boat and enjoy a day of fishing and conversation about many topics. Chuck was a humorous story teller which filled the time if the fish were not biting. The last time the three of us went out together (our father-in-law was well into his 90’s at this point) it took a lot of patience getting him into the boat, but an enjoyable time for all. Chuck was a word master and loved testing his mind with crossword puzzles. He would tackle them first thing in the morning. For several years we purchased the ‘Puzzle of the Month’ for him. He completed all of them! How do I know this? Because the next year we received the completed ones as proof! Chuck was always fun to be around and I will miss our interaction when we visit. One last memory to share was the fun in receiving his thank you notes from holidays/birthdays. They were witty, creative notes, usually with a pirate theme. Aargh! I will certainly miss the guy with his good conversation (not always about sports). Bob Simmons
Chuck during our college days at Ohio State.
So sorry for the loss of as we called him, Chuckie. Our families went back and forth from Bascom to Upper for many years. Our mothers were sisters and the cousin memories will be forever. Crack the whip in the yard was a favorite. God Bless you to heaven Chuck! Amen LuAnn Wertz Otte and Family
Jan, Sara, Aaron and Emily. With our deepest and heartfelt condolences with the loss of your wonderful husband and father.
My condolences to your family. Chuck was a wonderful person and neighbor, and I will cherish the great memories and conversations we had.
RIP Mr kiess..a great english teacher in geneva school had the pleasure of being in one of your classes. You didnt care for my class clown attitude lol, but you did have a impact on my life thanks for talks.
Kiess Family, So sorry for your loss. What a great man from an amazing family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love from the Krejci's.
Chuck was a friend, colleague, and Canadian/PV fishing partner of mine. He was wise beyond his years and fun beyond belief. My cousin had the honor of enjoying Chuck’s classes at Perry years ago and still proclaims him to be the best teacher ever. My wife and I will miss Chuck and wish his wife and family comfort in this time of grief.
I worked with Chuck may years ago at Gene Weiss Fitness at Heisley Racquet Club–fun laughed alot and he will be missed for sure—he probably left a mark on every student he had—so sorry to hear he is no longer with us Vicki Valois Curtis