Charles Frederick Schwab

Charles Frederick Schwab passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by his wife, Sindy, and daughters, Petra and Kari.

Born in Johnstown, New York, on March 4, 1941, Charley was the beloved son of the late Carl Frederick and Marion Bertha (née Ohler) Schwab. He lived a life defined by kindness, humility, curiosity, faith, a wry sense of humor, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to family.

He earned a degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and later an MBA from the University of Utah. Following graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and served his country for more than 22 years as an intelligence officer. His career took him across the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, and Germany and included leadership roles with NATO and the Defense Intelligence Agency. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and received numerous distinctions, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the German Armed Forces Cross of Honor in Silver. In both conduct and character, he was the quintessential officer and gentleman.

After retiring from the Air Force, he began a second successful career with Science Applications International Corporation, where he supported complex intelligence, imagery, and national security programs. Respected for his expertise, attention to detail, and steady judgment, he built friendships and relationships wherever he went. He seemed to know everyone, and when challenges arose or important work needed to get done, he was the person colleagues turned to for help, guidance, and a path forward.

Although life led him into a distinguished military and intelligence career, his heart was happiest working with his hands. He loved gardening, woodworking, and restoring things, and could repair almost anything, from household fixtures and furniture to Sindy’s jewelry, belts, and shoes. He especially enjoyed building his family camp in Lily Lake, New York, with his father and restoring his cabin and heritage barn in Silver Plume, Colorado.

Proud of his German heritage, he remained deeply connected to Germany throughout his life. Living and working there allowed him to develop close relationships with his German family and further embrace the language, culture, and traditions of his ancestors. Following a family tradition of German singing societies, he developed a lifelong love of music. As a longtime member of the Washington Sängerbund, he was especially proud of singing for President Clinton and Chancellor Kohl, and found great joy in singing, as well as playing the violin and accordion.

Perhaps his defining characteristic was that he was a seeker of knowledge. He possessed an extraordinary curiosity and an almost unmatched attention to detail. He was not someone who accepted easy answers. He asked questions, researched, observed, and learned. Whether exploring photography, agriculture, woodworking, restoration, gardening, history, technology, matters of faith, or the health challenges that increasingly shaped his later years, he was driven by a genuine desire to understand. Even when faced with illness, he never stopped searching for answers and possibilities.

Faith was an important part of his life. A faithful Lutheran and regular churchgoer, he found comfort not only in his belief in God but also in the community and friendships that surrounded it. Yet, true to his nature, he never stopped asking questions, seeking understanding, and learning.

Above all, nothing brought him greater happiness than being a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Sindy; his daughter, Petra Juulsgaard (Keld), and his beloved grandchildren, Viggo and Torra; and his daughter, Kari Colella (Stephen). Beyond his devotion to family, he found great joy in skiing the mountains of Austria and Colorado, cycling, hiking, and capturing life’s moments, rarely venturing far without a camera in hand.

He showed his love through steadfast presence, wise counsel, practical help, and sincere interest in the lives of others. His generosity extended well beyond his family. He quietly donated to numerous charitable causes and organizations, motivated by a lifelong desire to help others.

Even through years of declining health, his concern remained focused on the people around him. When he asked how someone was doing, he genuinely wanted to hear the answer.

Those who knew him will remember not only what he accomplished, but also how he made them feel. He was a kind and caring man who listened, noticed, helped, and loved deeply.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and the countless people whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be generously supplied by the church, all are welcomed. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gflutheran.org

Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in his memory https://joinpcf.funraise.org/fundraiser/in-memory-of-charles-schwab