Charles A. Sigrist passed of natural causes at Morning Star Memory Care in Boise, Idaho, on June 10, 2020, surrounded by his loving family members. He was born on Nov. 12, 1930, on a family farm in Sedalia, Missouri, to William and Mildred Sigrist. Charles was the older of two children. Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carol Lee Sigrist, his parents and one sister, MaryAnn Warnken, of Osgood, Indiana. To cherish his memory he leaves behind: daughter, Janice of Shanghai, China; son, Charles Jr. and wife, Connie of Gering, Nebraska; son, William and wife, Teresa of Boise, Idaho; granddaughters, Codi of Keystone, Colorado and Casey of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons, Thomas of Denver, Colorado; John and Michael of Boise, Idaho; as well as many dear family and friends.
Charles graduated valedictorian from his high school in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was the chapter president of Phi Kappa Epsilon, and ran track while attending the University of Central Missouri, where he pursued Mathematics. Upon graduation in 1952 he joined the Army, serving during the Korean War. He completed his master’s studies at the Missouri School of Mines. It was here he was offered a life-changing teaching position in Gillette, Wyoming in 1954.Charles met his wife of 56 years in Gillette, Wyoming, where it was truly love at first sight for both.
Charles and Carol Lee were married April 10, 1955, on Easter Sunday. Since that time, he had been devoted to his family, to his students, and to the communities where he lived. Charles was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, served as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church; was a Scouts and Boy Scout Leader, and volunteered with the Republican committee. He and Carol Lee volunteered with the Peninsula Fine Arts Center as well as with Performing Arts in Newport News, Virginia.
Charles loved teaching mathematics, and was a lifelong learner. He taught at colleges and universities across the United States, making a positive impact at every school and helping generations of young adults better understand and appreciate higher level mathematics while preparing young engineers and architects. He taught for over 50 years, beginning in Gillette, Wyoming; Pocatello State University in Idaho; Mankato State University in Minnesota; Lincoln Land Community College where he was the head of the Mathematics and Sciences department; and ending at Thomas Nelson Community College in Virginia.
Charles was a devoted husband, loving father, supportive brother and son, active community member, and good friend; he will be deeply missed. He led a long, beautiful life, and accomplished many dreams. To quote his grandson, Michael, “To have lived like this is a win for life.”
A memorial service will be held to spread his ashes on a beautiful fall day later this year.
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