Charles Richard Van Vooren

Charles “Chuck” Richard Van Vooren, born on May 30, 1944, in Van Nuys, California, passed away on December 31, 2025, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He led a life marked by love, dedication and service, embodying the spirit of not just a wonderful man, but also an amazing, caring community member and a proud patriot.

A rambunctious, first-born child of five, Chuck led a very. . . adventurous childhood. A self-proclaimed jokester, storyteller and, yes, even a little bit of a troublemaker, he kept everyone on their toes! He worked hard on the family farm, he learned to work with his dad’s tools, often working on tractors, engines, building fences or whatnot and also became well-versed in wood-working, even building toys for the younger siblings in between farm projects.

Immediately after graduating from Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, CA in 1962, Chuck served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966. Chuck was stationed in the small Central Valley town of Atwater, CA at Castle Air Force Base. It was there he fell in love when he met a beautiful, petite, brunette Portuguese beauty. On December 3, 1966, Charles married Linda Marie Sousa in Atwater at St. Anthony’s Church. They were blessed to share 59 years together as husband and wife.

Following his military career, Chuck followed in the footsteps of his father and became a service station owner of his own Sav N Sams gas stations in Auburn, CA. After a few years and desiring a change in career, Chuck became a Reserve Police Officer in Atwater for a period of time. Many do not know this, but Chuck also did a small stint as a fireman in Seaside, CA. for a few years. Apparently fire wasn’t exciting enough, so they eventually moved back to Central California where he could attend Merced Junior College to further his education by obtaining an Associate of Arts degree in Police Science, paving the way for a fulfilling career in Law Enforcement. He was hired with the Gustine, CA police department and worked there until 1974 where he eventually got hired with Turlock Police Department in Turlock, CA. With an exceptional amount of pride and faith in doing the right thing, Sergeant Charles Van Vooren served on the police force until his untimely medical retirement in 1989. During his career, he implemented many programs within the department, solved many crucial cases, mentored countless new officers and always did so, so that now, his legacy, not only as a police officer, but as a human being, can be defined by integrity, honor and an unwavering commitment to doing, standing for and being what was right in the world.

It was after his retirement when Chuck and Linda’s final stop landed them in Buhl, Idaho, where they continued to build their lives together. In addition to his professional endeavors, Chuck was actively engaged in community life. He flourished giving tours at the Hotel Buhl (there are even You Tube videos of his tours) and was a vital member of the Buhl Senior Center, where he fostered relationships and friendships and served as the Board Chair. A true historian, his research and the historic treasures he found, recreated and wrote decorate the walls of the Buhl Senior Center. Noteworthy among his contributions to the community was his role as the organizer of the Buhl Gun Show for over 15 years, which was a fundraiser for the Home Delivered Meals Program for Seniors in Buhl. His shop was a place to drop off your broken lawn mower, motorcycle, tractor or blender. His ability to fix and build anything… ANYTHING, is a talent not many can claim. It is believed the TV show MacGyver was written about him.

Chuck was known as a master of Stercus Tauri. He was very intelligent. He was very charming. Often when he would tell you a story, you would find yourself captivated by his enthusiasm, his mannerisms, his eye contact and, oh that handsome smile. It could be a challenge to know if he was actually telling you a real story; something that he had experienced, witnessed or read about. . . OR was he bamboozling you? Only the master would know and you would often leave scratching your head.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda, as well as a son, Charles Richard, Jr. “Rick” Van Vooren (Susan) a daughter, Christine “Chris” Garcia (Rich) two brothers, Gregory and Harlan, one sister, Myrna Jansen, three grandchildren, Michael, Cheyene and Linsey and two great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Charles was a devoted husband and was so proud of his family. His talents, humor, coupled with his compassionate nature, have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Myra Van Vooren, a granddaughter, Bailey Denae and one sister, Carin Jean whose memories he cherished throughout his life.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 30, 2026 at Snake River Canyon National Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho. Chuck enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee and pastries on Saturday mornings so we will have a final Coffee with Chuck Gathering at the Buhl Senior Center following the service.

As we remember Charles, we celebrate a life devoted to family, community, and country, finding solace in the legacy he leaves behind. While plants and flowers are lovely, in lieu of them, Chuck would have wanted donations to be presented to the Home Delivered Meals Program at the Buhl Senior Center. Donations can be made to Farmer’s Bank TAX ID# 82-0313172

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Charles' memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.