CHARLES JOSEPH GAETA

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Charles Joseph Gaeta, 74, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Ss Mary Mathias Catholic Church. The Reverend Chris Weber will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Hom. Rosary will follow the visitation at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus, American Legion, or Ss Mary Mathias Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Charles was born on February 16, 1949, in Muscatine, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Margaret Hinrichs Gaeta. He spent 40+ years of his life with his fiancé, Jeanne Golien. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2023.

Charles was a member of Knights of Columbus 4th degree, Ss Mary Mathias Parish, American Legion Post 27, VFW Post 1565, and the Farm Bureau. Charles was a farmer at heart and worked on the family farm. Charles proudly served as a Vietnam Veteran.

Charles and Jeanne enjoyed dancing, auctions, camping, fairs, especially Old Thrashers, Rhubarb Fest, Polka Fest, the state fair, parades, and collecting things. Charles loved to serve other people and was an active volunteer in the community. He was a blood and platelet donor, volunteered at the Salvation Army, Poppies for American Legion, Tootsie Roll drive for the Knights of Columbus, flags for the Fourth of July parade, and volunteer at the nursing home. Charles had a passion for helping others, especially family, which was important to him. He was always willing and ready to help anyone in need and will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family.

Charles is survived by his siblings, Louis C. Gaeta (Priscilla), Vincent J. Gaeta (Janice), Michael G. Gaeta, Joseph Gaeta (Denise), Marie Collins (Ron), Philippa Clester (Scott), and Elizabeth Hackett; Jeanne's children, Fred, Judy, Jay, Rusty and their families; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; longtime fiancé, Jeanne; nephews, Greg Collins and Kris Mann; brother-in-law, Jeff Hackett; and infant nephew.

Visitation

Thursday, January 25, 2024

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home

1931 Houser Street Muscatine, IA 52761

Rosary

Thursday, January 25, 2024

6:30 PM

Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home

1931 Houser Street Muscatine, IA 52761

Service

Friday, January 26, 2024

10:00 AM

St. Mathias Church

215 West Eighth Street Muscatine, Iowa 52761