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Col. Charles Geck, USA (Ret.), 86, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his children on Wednesday, May 16, 2001. He is survived by his sons, Randolph F. Geck and wife, Carol; Howard C. Geck; daughter, Florence R. Geck; granddaughter, Alicia; brother, Harry Geck; and his former wife, Florence V. Krick-Jimenez. He was preceded in death by his parents Carlos Conrad and Romana Benavides Geck; wife, Nettie Faye Geck; sisters, Margie Apodaca, Mary Stella Chavez, and Tiela Lopez; and great uncle, Albert Benavides. Charles was born on March 29, 1915 in La Mesa, NM. He lived most of his dynamic life in New Mexico, joining the US Navy in 1936 and the US Army in 1942 to serve his country in both WWII and the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge, both earned in battle. Charles returned to Albuquerque to successfully complete careers in the Department of Defense Civil Service and the New Mexico Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of Colonel. During this time, he was active in the Elk's Lodge and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Albuquerque and a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of New Mexico. He continued to serve his fellow New Mexicans as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of New Mexico and advisor for the Social Security Commission, and as a longtime volunteer for the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). He was also a member of the Kirtland Air Force Base Officer's Club. Charles was deeply involved with, supported by, and owed much gratitude to the Veteran's Administration Hospital, including the Cancer Support Group, Mental Health, and the 6th Floor"Chemo Club." Rosary will be recited Sunday, May 20, 2001, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 21, 2001, 10:00 a.m., at Kirtland Air Force Base, Wyoming Blvd. East Chapel (please refer to this announcement to the Gate Guards for admission). Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Falck, Paul Limm, Scotty Rutherford, Hugo Cotter, Lt. Gen. Edward Baca (Ret.), and Harry Geck. Those who wish to honor Charles may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Attn. Carla Ramirez, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87110.
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