Ruth and Leon, you may or may not remember me...Chuck and I met in WA, when he was working in Lake Stevens school district and serving in youth ministry at a local church. My sister also worked at Lake Stevens and thought we should meet, given first our mutual love for Christ and also our great hopes and expectations for a marriage partner one day, God willing. God certainly led us through a season of what became a very special friendship. While we found ourselves venturing down a path to marriage, God in His wisdom and goodness to us both, caused us to pivot and eventually move in different directions. Chuck was a gift to my life for the time I was privileged to know him. He truly was that friend I have read others speak of in their condolences. I happened to be thinking of him today, reminiscing about God's guidance and watchful love over us...how He blessed my life with so many experiences and adventures that challenged and grew me, and especially the people He allowed me to encounter along the way. Chuck was one of those people....a real friend, an encourager, a genuine struggler too...who loved Jesus and inspired others to know and be held by Him in life, too. That smile says it all....sure of who he belongs to, and because of that....who he truly is.

Blessings in Christ,

Julie Swanson-Henry

I didn't know of his passing but didn't get to add the light a candle to my original memory that I added a few minutes ago. I will not forget him from when I was a student at City High School from 1995-1999.

Chuck was one of the hall monitors that also supervised the study hall when I was a student there. I never had a problem with him. He always seemed to have some way of keeping things good when it came to talking to me. I wish I had known of his passing in time to attend his services. But I had fallen that day and spent most of the rest of the month mending myself. He will be greatly missed.

I started to work at Durham school services as a school bus driver in April 2008.

Chuck was my driving instructor. To me chuck was always easy going in nature, and he never seemed to have a bad day. I was impressed by his attitude towards life, and his job skills. I just today found out about his passing from a city bus driver! What a shock!! My condolences to the parents of Chuck, and his loved ones. Chuck was a special man. May God bless him.

Michael Thoe

I worked with Chuck and the Youth Group at 1st United Methodist church in Mechanicsville Iowa, Introduced by Stephanie Brinkman. He was wonderful with the kids, and I really enjoyed our conversations about our faith. He was truly a man with Christ's heart. He left his imprint in all our hearts. We are better Christians from knowing him. My prayers are with you and your family. In Christ, Jan Kuda

To Ruth and Leon-My sincere condolences to you both and your families. My Dad used to bowl with Del and my sister Laurie was a good friend and classmate of Chuck. To show how thru the years he touched so many, whenever I ran into him he was soft spoken, smiling and interested to see how my family was doing and then it was How's Laura?. Then in 2004 my daughter Julie Rohret was at West High when he worked there and said what a great guy he was. She emailed me and made sure Laurie and I knew because she knew we were all shocked he passed so soon. But only the good die young, isn't that the way the song goes? My Dad and Del used to hang out at our house, and then Ruth, Chuck, & Leon would come over for supper or snacks. It was a great memory! Since my memories are such happy ones of Chuck, I am sure you as his family have many more! God Bless, Sandy

We knew Chuck for many years through church and West High and kept in touch via Facebook. It was always a joy to run into him because he was usually smiling and enthusiastic about life. I was shocked to hear of his passing, but I KNOW where he is right now - in the arms of his Savior, Jesus. Chuck, we will truly miss you, but we will meet up again on the other side.

I was so saddened by his death. He was such a respectful young man. God has taken him home and I feel he is where he will be in God's hand.

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He was always sweet and kind with a wonderful smile.

Ruth and Leon,

We are so sorry that we missed the visitation and funeral. We totally spaced it off. Sorry for your loss. Chuck was a very wonderful soul and a very gentle and kind man. We hope your days get easier as time passes.

I just learned of Charlie's death. I am shocked and saddened. I was a high school friend and teammate (football and wrestling). Charlie was a wonderful guy, the walking definition of a kind, gentle giant. I do not recall him ever saying or doing a mean thing. My memories are simply of a good, good person. I think that says a lot. I am so sorry for your loss.

I'm a daughter of Roy and Joyce Vargason, I didn't know Chuck, but I knew his father Delbert who was my first cousin and Uncle Clint and Aunt Edna. My Mom wanted me to send her condolences to Ruth and Leonard. We're so sorry for your loss and were saddened to hear about the passing of Chuck at such a young age. God be with you both as you mourn his death and celebrate his life.

I remember playing with Chuckie as children. We lived a few houses away until I moved away in high school. At our 20 year reunion I remember apologizing to him on how much we probably picked on him as kids. We shared a laugh. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult loss.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chuck. Like so many of us today we share parts of our lives together, only to drift away and not see each other again, I graduated with Chuck and spent many grueling hours with him in the wrestling room. If there was ever a Gentle Giant it was Chuck. For me I was one of those scrawny 98lb guys running around picking on people like a pesky fly. Chuck was always fun to be around and never swatted the fly away though he probably should have. He indeed had a very positive domineer about him and was a very pleasant man. I'm sure he will be sorely missed. He's in God's hands now.

I was only at West High School for senior year, so I don't remember everyone from our graduating class. When I heard about Chuck's passing, I remembered the name, but couldn't place him.

I met Chuck in high school when I was at City High School where he watched over the halls and was a friend to all. I remember being with him at youth group where he always showed us how kind the Lord's heart was and what a true friend could be like. Even years later when I would run into him around town he always had a smile and wanted to talk. So sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

Thinking of the good times we had together:) Chuck was such a good friend and mentor to our youngest son, Joseph, and a friend to us,too! We love the way he happenend into our lives and now he is no longer visible for us to see on this earth..but we will see him again at the feet of Jesus..and he will be smiling and so will we:) Blessings upon all those who knew and loved, Chuck,.....knowing that he lives forever with the One who purchased his salvation on Calvary....see you later, Chuck!

i met chuck in the mid 80's when we worked for systems unlimited in iowa city.chuck was a very personable man & we became friends from the start.i remember him as a very warm,caring man who had a strong foundation in Jesus Christ as i did, & not shy about telling people in a non threatening way & living his faith in a way peopie could see a difference & that difference was Christ.i would run into him every couple of years & just picked up as if we saw each other yesterday."Well done good & faithful servant."please take comfort that chuck is in the presence of his LORD..my condolences to chucks family

I knew Chuck casually through the gym for years. He was a great guy and I am saddened to hear of his passing. I wish his family well during this difficult time.

I am sorry for your loss. I remember chuck when I was a student at West High School.

I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's death! He was a unique guy in my high school life -- gentle, smiling and caring. God be with you all as you mourn his death and celebrate his life.

Ruth and Leon, I am so sorry for the grief you must feel at Chuck's passing. I didn't know him well but my impression was he was always very kind to my son Gary who loved to hang around Del and also was a friend of Leon's. He seemed to be a gentle, calm very nice young man. I remember speaking to him at Leon's graduation party and was sorry I had not had the opportunity to get to know all of you better at that party you hosted at you home in Coralville. It sounds as if he had a strong faith and that he is resting in God's arms now. Again, I am so sorry for your loss, losing a son is very very difficult.

Hello to Chuck's Family and Friends,

Chuck's passing rocked me deeply. Such a kind and gentle man.... we enjoyed many a laugh. My condolences to his family. God bless you, Chuck.

It is with shock and sadness that I have come to hear of Chucks passing. Although I only saw him every six weeks or so, I felt I knew him so well. I know his trip to Australlia was exciting and fun and I know he wanted to return there. Chuck has been a client of Mon Teaze! Hair Salon since I bought it and renamed it just two short years ago. He is an energy and personality that will be sincerely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Chuck and I were quite the duo here at West High. I worked with Chuck for many years, continurd to see and talk to Chuck as he drove the school but, got a tour of his new home and evern visited on occasions. Chuck was a good guy, the kids loved him but the ladies upstairs love him more, especially when he sang to them. Chuck you will be missed but never forgotten.

As a 2001 graduate of West High School I had the opportunity to interact with Chuck who was then a WHS employee. Im filled with memories of his frequent positivity and the kindness of his character. Chuck was a supportive advisor of young people. As an authority figure he was a gentle giant and kept an enlightend disinclination toward heavy-handed discipline. A few such incidents endeared him to me. After graduating I had the opportunity to discuss spirituality and particularly Christian theology with Chuck and discovered that his remarkable kindness had solid bedrocks in his Christian faith. Besides faith, I was impressed by the acuity of Mr. Vargasons doctrinal insight, and otherwise grasp/treatment of the profound spiritual condition of the human experience. Since moving away from the community i havent encountered Chuck in years, I am saddened by the news of his loss, and send my condolences to his family and friends. But take faith, Chuck was among those compassionate souls that stayed prepared to do and did good & helped his fellows; as such I'm intrigued by his spiritual longevity & have faith that hes in a Good place

My earliest memories of Coach Vargason are from the wrestling room at South East Junior High. Quite honestly, I didn't know until reading the other memories that he was active in his congregations and youth ministry. Combining my memories with a fuller picture of his passions leads me to realize the fun and work ethic he brought into the wrestling room was an outgrowth of the love and light of Christ living inside him. My deepest sympathies to all who are mourning his death. He is remembered fondly!

Chuck was an institution at West High. He was the type of person that everyone listened to and was always able to give you guidance or assistance with whatever you may need.

I met Chuck about 15 years ago when we were at the same church. I'll never forget the day he approached me and said he would like to hang out some time. I was 15. He was 36. I was coming through puberty. He was a grown stud. Yes, it felt pretty cool to have a friend and mentor like Chuck at that age. But as the years passed, we became friends in a way that can only happen when there is great humility and even child-likeness. That was who Chuck was to me...a big humble kid who knew who his Father was. He was honest, empathetic, and refreshing. Imperfect, and he knew and admitted it. A breath of fresh air after a stuffy night. Quite frankly, he was a powerful display of the kingdom of God which is strength veiled in weakness. I will never forget Chuck Vargason, and I will always miss him.

So sorry to hear about this. I remember Chuck from High School and he was such a great guy. Always laughing, smiling, and making everyone around him feel great. I don't recall ever a bad moment around him. I could say that he was the kind of guy that was letting "God's light and love" shine through him but at that age wouldn't have known it. I am sorry to hear he passed away and I know that he has moved on to some place better to keep on shinning. God Bless and I am sorry for your loss.

Very sorry, Ruth and your family for the loss of your son. Sending thoughts and prayers.

Chuck was an amazing man, whom I had the blessing of knowing as a friend. He was my youth leader even when we didn't have a youth pastor. He helped me know that God loved me and there were people who cared for me, even after I moved from Oregon. We have lost a good man, but Chuck has gained new life. We'll miss ya man.

I met Chuck when I worked at Durham School Services. He was one of my trainers there and always made sure that I was having a good day. He knew that I was religious and always talked with me about it. I remember going with him to the Airliner in downtown Iowa City to just eat pizza and talk about God. He was a great God fearing man who had love for everyone around him.

You will be dearly missed.. You were one of the best study hall monitors at west high. I remember you always patrolling the hallways between classes, you were everyone's best friend... R.I.P BUDDY...

I met Chuck several years ago through mutual friends in a prayer group. He is loved by many and will be missed by all of us. We wish him peace, love and happiness with our lord.

Chuck was always that one staff member at WHS who you could count on to not only be friendly and conversational, but to also hold you accountable. I will never forget how he somehow knew my name without ever actually introducing myself. That's the type of guy he was, going out of his way to know someone or offer to help them in any way he could. Many times our talks revolved around football, wrestling or the occasional class absence, but he always made sure you understood that he cared above all. You will be missed big fella.

My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone touched by Chuck.

He was a great bus driver friend and Co-worker! He will be in our hearts forever

We always appreciated Chuck's heart and his love for God. His quiet confidence in who he was, and more importantly, who God is, was inspiring. We grieve the loss but celebrate and rejoice that he now sees the Father face to face. Our prayers are with the family.

Chuck was such a fun person and I remember him fondly from moments at West High. The world lost such a happy and fondly remembered guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

I worked at Durham School bus services with Chuck and had the pleasure of knowing him for several years. He always had a smile on his face whenever he walked into a room and could always make others laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by many. He was truly one of a kind.

We always loved your fun conversations at the bike shop and book store. Our Condolences to family and friends.

Chuck was one of those people that was hard to avoid whether it was trying to get by him to play basketball when you were supposed to be in class or whether it was the way his aesthetically pleasing personality sucked you into his small talk conversation in the hallway.. Chuck was still the same guy even after talking to him at Golds gym and later Performance health and fitness. we traded ideas on workouts... And later when I started working for Backpocket I offered to buy him a beer. "well Chuck I'm sorry that didn't happen. So me Sean and Jason and all the other guys will have to drink it for you! because when we're gone from here our friends will be drinking all the beer.

Chuck was a friendly smile and mild demeanor for such a big guy, with a heart to match his size. I really enjoyed chatting with Chuck in the commons at West High, whether it was about wrestling, the Hawks, or a much-needed life lesson. He will be missed and remembered as a genuine, kind man. My condolences to his family.

Vargason family you are all in our prayer's. I remember the days at the Coralville Fire Dept when Del, and Chuck would stop in. R.I.P. God Bless You All.

You'll be missed bud

I remember him keeping a sort of sentinel-like watch over the halls of City High. I never knew the man to be in a bad mood. Really sorry to hear of his passing.

So saddened by the loss of this hilarious & kind hearted man. HE was such a great person to see in the halls during my high school days. He consistently had a smile across his face and that is what I will remember most. My heart is with his family. May his soul rest in peace.

Sorry for your loss Ruth and Leon we have been there a few times with dad 2000 Janet 2009 sherry 2012 our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

I remember Chuck from my time at West High. He was always such a bright spot in my day, whether I saw him in the hallway or as I passed by the study hall room he always had a smile and a second to chat. I have many fond and funny memories of Chuck's ability to handle students who were being difficult, and to win them over with his easy going way. He will be missed.

So sorry for your lost. Chuck worked at West High when I was a student. We always talked basketball but we often talked about life. I appreciate all his words of encouragement.

Chuck and I shared the same home room throughout junior high and high school. The thing's that I remember the most are his smile, laughter, and always a kind word for everyone. He was a wonderful person.

So very sorry for your loss. Chuck was one of a kind and I know how proud you were of him. He will be missed

I had the good fortune of meeting Chuck recently, and working with him quite a bit in the last month. His impact in that short time was immense. Chuck's outgoing friendly nature and his compassion for people and life was refreshing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Based on my own brief time with him, I can only imagine the positive effect he has had on so many lives.

Chuck was the youth group leader at the Mechanicsville Methodist church for a couple of years & worked with our younger two sons. They enjoyed having him as their leader & were sad when he quit. Our youngest son died as the result of an ATV accident in 2011 & we were very touched that Chuck attended the visitation. Our prayers are with your family at this difficult time. As parents, we understand the intense grief that is experienced when losing a child. Our thoughts are with you.