In the twilight hours of Wednesday, July 30, 2008, with his wife, children, family and friends at his bedside, Charlie Owen, 56, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.
Charles Arthur Owen was born to Richard “Dick” and Audrey (Carpenter) Owen on June 23, 1952, in North Hempstead, N.Y. His youth was spent in Kansas; then he moved to the Glendora area in the mid-1960s. In 1970, he graduated from Whittier High School and then studied at Fresno State College for four years.
Soon after high school, his father and stepmother, Mary, moved to Idyllwild and opened up the restaurant, Baker in the Forest, and the clothing store, The Dutch Door. Charlie worked at the local grocery store and also sold ads for the Idyllwild Town Crier in his 20s.
Around 1977, Charlie opened up a stained glass shop, which he operated for several years, and was known by locals as “Stained Glass Charlie.” His glass is still present at the Red Kettle, at the Gastrognome and in many homes in the area.
During his youth, his father taught him the art of carpentry and this became his main profession for more than 20 years. He built many homes around Idyllwild, working for Jerry McCaughey and Bob Kanter.
In September 1981, Charlie married Kim Krengel. Even though their marriage ended in divorce, Charlie and Kim became good friends in later years. In August 2005, Charlie, his children, Maureen, Herk McClellan and many family members kept vigil at Kim’s bedside until her passing.
In the fall of 1997, while calling bingo (a weekend job) at Cahuilla Creek Casino in Anza, Charlie met the love of his life, Maureen “Moe” Titel. From their first date, they were never alone again.
From the start, their children came together as siblings. On Nov. 17, 2007, family and friends witnessed their union under the blessings of our Lord. During this time a beautiful celebration of their 10-year anniversary was held at the home of their dear friends, Jack and Joan Kessman of Anza.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at his home in Aguanga at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Alternatives Hospice, 7344 Magnolia Ave, Ste. 245, Riverside, CA 92504.
Charlie is survived by his devoted wife, Maureen; his loving children, Kendra Gora (husband Matt), Kyle Owen (wife Erica), Erika Browne (husband David), Kirsten Klohe and Sean Titel; his stepmother, Mary Owen; brother, Mark Owen (wife Janice); his adoring grandchildren, Blake Owen, and Jakob and Kalob Klohe; and all of his dedicated family and friends.
