Charles P. (Chiz) Gies passed away peacefully October 21st, 2021, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Charles was born in Chicago, Illinois to Charles Gies and Marie Simons Gies. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, he attended St. Lawrence Catholic grade school and graduated from Hirsh High school in 1947. He was hired by the Santa Fe Railway Co, for whom his grandfather, Peter Simon, had been an engineer driving the famous Super Chief. Starting in an entry level position, Charles worked in the refrigeration department and had 37 years of loyal service when he retired in a managerial position. During his career he lived in Chicago, San Francisco, and Topeka, Kansas. He married Pat Keveney on June 18th, 1949, at St. Joachim Catholic Church and this past June celebrated 72 years of marriage.
Charles and Pat moved to Lenexa, KS where after his retirement he sold residential real estate. He loved helping people and helping them find the perfect home. Charles was a lifelong Catholic, loved his faith, and served as an altar boy and a lector as an adult. His hobbies included tennis, golf, water aerobics and bowling. He was an avid bridge player and in recent years was a Rummikub wizard. He was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the White Sox, Notre Dame and our very own OKC Thunder. He was a master gardener and loved growing flowers and vegetables. Charles was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Charles is survived by his wife Patricia Keveney Gies, one son Thomas Gies and his wife Lucy, daughter Julie Gies Woner and her husband Kent, 5 grandchildren, Sarah Raff Newby, Michael Raff, Charles Woner, Betsy Gies, and Emily Woner Brink. Great Grandchildren: Austin Newby, Payne Raff, Oliver Raff, Kate Newby, Finley Raff and Pierce Woner.
Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Gies Raff and his parents Charles and Marie Gies.
Charles loved his family dearly and would tell everyone how proud he was of them.
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