Charles Henry Gaugler, 86, of Vera Cruz, died Jan. 6, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, surrounded by his children. He and his late wife, Rosemary Ellen (Lacko) Gaugler, celebrated 49 years of marriage at the time of her death, Jan. 17, 2016.

Born in Powder Valley, he was the son of the late Samuel and Emma (Yeager) Gaugler.

He was employed for many years at American Olean Tile Company, Quakertown and then later at Genco, Allentown, until his retirement.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus. He was also a member of the Vera Cruz Community Association, where he served as trustee and helped with community events. Many will remember the countless years he ran the soda stand at the annual Vera Cruz Homecoming. He also faithfully maintained the Veterans’ Monument in Vera Cruz – planting flowers there each spring.

He loved to garden and each year planted a large vegetable garden. A lifelong guitar player, he taught his own children and provided lessons to other family members and friends. An avid Philadelphia sports fan, he was a loyal Lehigh Valley IronPigs fan, attending many games with his family each season. Above all else, he treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren, including Sunday dinners at his house.

As a parent, he was an Emmaus Little League coach. And, as a grandfather, he was equally active in the lives of his grandchildren, attending their activities, picking them up from preschool and later watching them after school and vacationing together. He was a wonderful and devoted “Pop-pop” and “Grandpop.”

His family meant the world to him, and he meant the world to his children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the compassionate and skilled health providers of Lehigh Valley Health Network and Lehigh Valley Hospice for taking such wonderful care of him.

He is survived by children, Daniel, of Collegeville, David and his wife, Trisha, of Hershey, Audra and her husband, Matt Berner, of Macungie; grandchildren, Ethan, Lorelei, Megan, Samuel, Lydia and Avery; sisters, Nancy Matika, JoAnne Amig, Deborah and her husband, Rodger Brown.

He was predeceased by brothers, Richard, Roy and Robert; sisters, Betty Groller, Betty Snyder, Pauline Groller and Pearl Grater.

Arrangements were made by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus.

Contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 501 Chestnut St., Emmaus.