November 27, 1935 – March 4, 2026
Charles “Chuck” Deffebach, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and master carpenter, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Forest City, Iowa, at the age of 90. He was born on November 27, 1935, in Arkoma, Oklahoma.
Per his request, no memorial service is planned. Schott Funeral Homes – Mittelstadt Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to: 311 N. Winnebago St. Lake Mills, IA 50450.
Chuck was the son of John and Virginia Deffebach. At the age of four, his family moved to Richmond, California, where he attended local schools and graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1954. A life-defining moment occurred on February 2, 1957, when he married the love of his life, Jewella Rubio.
Together, Chuck and Jewella built a beautiful family, welcoming three children: Michael, Kari (Craig), and John (Alicia). Chuck dedicated over 25 years to the carpentry industry, becoming a respected Journeyman Carpenter and a proud member of the Carpentry Union. His passion extended beyond his professional life, often performing custom work on weekends. A hard worker, he was also known for his love of a good cup of coffee. He also maintained an impeccably manicured yard and ran a small side business in landscaping.
The family cherished their time together, sharing a love for the outdoors. Chuck and Jewella enjoyed entertaining family and countless friends, and their summers were filled with boating, camping, and waterskiing on the Sacramento Delta, Lake Berryessa, and Shasta Lake. Chuck’s passion for speed was well-known, as he always insisted on having a fast boat.
After a brief time in New Mexico, Chuck and Jewella moved to Lake Mills, Iowa, in 1997 to be closer to their daughter, Kari, and her family. Their greatest joy was watching their nine grandchildren grow up: Matthew, Megan, and Miranda Deffebach; Tyler (Chantal) Dahlberg; Jordan (Steven) Tibbles; McKinley Shifflett; Madison Shifflett; Mitchell Deffebach; and Lillian Deffebach. They enthusiastically participated in their school events and sports. Chuck was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He and Jewella frequently traveled back to California to visit friends and relatives and established many wonderful friendships in Iowa.
Chuck moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City, Iowa, in 2023. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jewella; his sister, Joan; his grandson, Matthew; and his brothers-in-law LaVern, Dennis, and David, and sister-in-law, Jayne.
He is survived by his brother, David; his brother-in-law, Tim; his sisters-in-law, Norma and Ardis; and many loving nieces and nephews.
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