Charles Frank Elser
March 15, 1931 – June 23, 2009

Charles Frank Elser, 78, passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Lake Havasu City. Chuck, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on March 15, 1931 in Savannah, Mo., to Gale and Maxine (Wilson) Elser.

In 1949, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Army, a career that would span more than 23 years. In 1960, he served as an administrative/personnel adviser in Taiwan, served as Chief Administrative Officer (Adjutant General) for a transportation terminal of approximately 3,000 personnel. In July 1965, he performed duties as a Division Branch Chief in a NATO headquarters in Italy. He then served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of a civil affairs unit in the Republic of Vietnam from July 1968 to August 1969. Chuck ended his career on Feb. 1, 1973, retiring as a major. Prior to his retirement he served as Chief Administrative Officer for two successive major sized military units.

Following retirement from the military, Chuck and his wife moved from Washington to Lake Havasu City. Chuck went to work for the Valley National Bank as a teller, then went on to the Department of Economic Security, advising Veterans of employment options and also handled the Veterans Affairs office at Mohave Community College. Chuck was co-owner along with his wife, Adeline and Joyce Carlson of Hand Creations.

Chuck was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church where he served as an administrator and was also on the church council.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Adeline; daughters, Christine Muhleman, of Tucson, Catheleen Elser, of Topeka, Kan.; and Charlean (Dan) Lehman, of Wichita, Kan.; as well as two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Lammers.

Graveside services and military honors will be held on June 30 at 9:30 a.m., at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will follow at Mount Olive Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jim Price offering words of comfort and inspiration.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Chuck’s name be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2170 Havasupai Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 or Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.

Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.