Charles J. Vorwaller

1934 – 2023

Charles J. Vorwaller, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in American Fork, Utah on September 1, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his six living children. Our hearts are heavy with this loss and deeply saddened but are grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and have faith in God’s plan that we will see him and other deceased loved ones again.

Charles was loved by many and would usually greet anyone, both friend or stranger with a smile, a handshake, a pat on the shoulder, and often a hug. He strived to personally go out of his way in any setting, to make sure that each person present was recognized and appreciated, resulting in him often being the last person to leave.

Throughout many of his endeavors, he remained courageous and positive, with unwavering dedication to serving others with a passion to make a difference in the world. He lived his life according to the two great commandments: love God and love others. He accomplished this with a unique vision and a special talent to find meaningful and enduring ways to help individuals who were suffering or struggling with life, and in difficult situations needing attention or help. The legacy of this service has blessed the lives of many individuals.

Charles was born at home on June 10, 1934, in Granger, Utah to Catherine Solomon Vorwaller and Karl August Vorwaller. He was fortunate to be a part of a large family from his mother’s marriages (widowed 4 times) throughout her life that included her children; George E. Wallace (died in infancy), Elizabeth Isabel Wallace (Robert Byron) Hutchings and (Wilson Charles) Rhone, Jean Wallace (Marvin) Clark, Catherine “Katy” Vorwaller (Karl) McQuivey and Vicki Lee Howard (Douglas) Paddock.

Early in his life, he had many experiences, hardships and challenges that formed the prism through which he viewed the world and others and shaped his personal philosophies and values regarding the way he dealt with life. At the tender age of seven he witnessed the loss of his father who had suffered for a period of time from stomach cancer. From that moment, he became a man overnight with responsibilities of helping with the family’s livestock, small farm and determining how to navigate through life the best way possible despite their humble circumstances. From his mother, he learned the value of work. Throughout his youth many friends, neighbors, and siblings provided kind support and encouragement.

Upon graduation from Cypress High School, he left home and attended Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University) in Ft. Collins, Colorado to pursue studies in veterinary medicine. That summer he worked on the Forest Service Fire Crew fighting fires and creating trails in Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. With his love of people and the Gospel, he served as a full-time missionary for the Church in Germany for two and a half years and learned to speak German that he kept fluent throughout his life. After his mission and through mutual friends, he was introduced to Madeleine Pfister, originally from Switzerland. A strong romance and love emerged, and they were married on September 5, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. She was his “Swiss Miss”. They enjoyed a happy marriage for almost 65 years.

Embarking on a new direction for his career in the field of mental health, he graduated from the University of Utah with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and social work (MSW & LCSW). He also graduated from the Menniger School of Psychiatry with a clinical post masters. He was commissioned in the United States Air Force and served for four years. This led to administrative and leadership positions with nonprofit community and mental health organizations in Kansas, Iowa and Colorado.

Over the course of his career that spanned more than 40 years, Charles became a national leader and expert in community mental health and nonprofit management. He served as the President and CEO of the Pikes Peak Mental Health Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 30 years and was responsible for the creation and expansion of a long list of programs and nonprofit subsidiary companies that resulted in thousands of individuals accessing and receiving mental healthcare and services. He authored articles and was featured in several professional publications, provided a number of lectures, seminars and presentations and also received numerous awards and recognitions through the years.

Charles further distinguished his notable career as a co-founder or board member of several national organizations including Mental Health Corporations of America, The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and the Mental Health Risk Retention Group. In addition to his national involvements, he was active in the Colorado Springs community with Children’s University (business owner), and several nonprofit organizations including the Rotary Club and the Boy Scouts of America.

Active in politics, he served in precinct, county, and state delegate positions; and often championed various causes and issues with the goal of improving quality of life and protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals and families.

Through the years, Charles and Madeleine raised their family of seven children, who were loved. Their children learned by example how to work hard, be honest and provide service to others. They encouraged each child to be their best and supported them in academics, art lessons, music lessons, and sports.

Charles loved his Savior and was a dedicated and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and maintained a firm foundation of faith in God and a lifelong commitment to the scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served diligently and effectively in many callings as a teacher and leader, including Branch President, Bishop, and Stake Presidency. Upon retirement, he spent several years serving alongside his wife in blessing the lives of many through four Church missions (three of them in Europe).

He is survived by three sons, Charles (Kathy) Parker, CO, David (Amy) Centennial, CO, Richard (Adrienne) Colorado Springs, CO; and his three daughters, Rebecca (Peter) American Fork, UT, Wendy (Brad) Pleasant Grove, UT, and Julie (Mike) Orem, UT and 27 grandchildren and 26 (with 1 on the way) great-grandchildren, and his sister Vicki (Doug). He was grateful for his posterity.

He was preceded in death by his beloved companion and wife Madeleine Pfister Vorwaller (May 26, 1932 ­- December 16, 2022) and his sweet youngest daughter, Heidi Maree Vorwaller (August 26, 1972 -­ April 20, 1982), his parents and several siblings.

The family extends deep gratitude to all who provided friendship, love, and support throughout Charles’ life.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing to be held from 9:30 ­- 10:45 am prior to the services. Graveside services will be at 12:30 pm in the American Fork City Cemetery, where he will be interred next to his wife.