Charles (“Chuck”) Panagiotis Nemfakos Jr., age 49, died unexpectedly on February 16, 2020 after enjoying a morning snowboarding at Great Divide Ski Area.
Chuck was born in Washington D.C. on November 14, 1970 to Suzanne and Charles Nemfakos Sr. He joined his older sister, Mirka, and grew up in McLean, Virginia. Together, Chuck and Mirka were partners in crime and remained so well into adulthood. Chuck spent many summers with his paternal grandparents at their apartment in Athens, Greece and at the family beach house in Kalamos, Greece. A multi-sport student athlete, Chuck, excelled both on the soccer field and the track. A number of Chuck and Mirka’s club soccer teams were coached by their father, which Chuck would later continue the tradition and become the assistant coach of his young son’s soccer team.
Chuck attended Langley High School, Fork Union Military Academy, and completed his high school education at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1989. Upon graduation, Chuck briefly attended and played soccer for the University of Delaware Blue Hens. In 1992, Chuck moved to Bozeman, Montana to begin his education in engineering at Montana State University. However, his love for the many adventures that the Big Sky Country offered took priority, and he took a break from his studies. Chuck enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and floating on the rivers in the Bozeman area. In addition, Chuck learned to snowboard at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, which was a passion that grew immensely throughout the years. During his academic break, Chuck built houses for Clair Danes and created a variety of wooden lights at Cherry Tree Designs; this line of work created a long-lasting love for woodworking. Eventually, Chuck returned to Montana State, completing his Civil Engineering degree in December of 2007. During his time in Bozeman, Chuck befriended a special group of friends that would later develop and forever be known as “The Mountain Family.” In 2008, Chuck moved to Helena, Montana to begin his career as a civil engineer at the Montana Department of Transportation, where he remained until his passing.
On November 28, 2009 mutual friends introduced Chuck to Laura Christine Mitschke, the daughter of Jacquie and Bob Mitschke of Helena. Chuck proposed to Laura on Christmas Eve in 2010, and the two were married on September 10, 2011 at the St. Helena Cathedral. Together, Laura and Chuck enjoyed camping, floating the Missouri River, attending numerous concerts, visiting their favorite restaurant “On Broadway,” and road trips to their favorite destinations, one being Chico Hot Springs.
On October 14, 2015, Chuck’s greatest wish came true when he and Laura welcomed their son, Noah Robert. Chuck was overjoyed and excelled in fatherhood. The love he showed for Noah proved he was meant to be a father and had a passion for children. Chuck enjoyed picking Noah up early from preschool, greeting Noah’s classmates with “hey, party people” and being surrounded by children screaming back “Chuck!” or “Noah, your Dad’s here!” Chuck always enjoyed being around children, which is evident considering that he saved and still has the glass dish gifted to him by the children he cared for at a day care he worked at while in Bozeman in the 1990s. Noah and Chuck would often visit the “Popcorn Place” known to many as The Blackfoot Brewery. While enjoying a “beverage” together, Noah and Chuck would often send Laura a picture to share with her this special time.
Chuck enjoyed entertaining and looked for any excuse to have a get together and to share the latest libation or his current favorite cocktail with his friends and family. Sushi parties with “The Mountain Family” on Chuck’s birthday became an annual celebration which he greatly enjoyed. Music was something Chuck had always enjoyed and he would listen to a vast array of genres, including some of his favorites such as Grateful Dead, Norah Jones, Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Led Zeppelin, Widespread Panic, Nine Inch Nails, and Jerry Joseph. No matter what Chuck was doing, there was always music playing in the background.
Chuck is preceded in death by his paternal Grandparents Mirka and Panagiotis Nemfakos, maternal Grandparents, Marie and Walter Ertel, Chuck’s mother’s husband Gene Schmidt, and his father-in-law Bob Mitschke. Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Laura; their son, Noah Robert; his mother Suzanne Schmidt; sister Mirka (Greg) Jablonski; father Charles Nemfakos (Pam); sister Alexandra; nieces Kate and Ava Jablonski; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chuck is also survived by his mother-in-law Jacquie Mitschke; sister-in-laws Michelle Mitschke (Jason Apatoff) and Kimberly (Jake) Ziska; niece Lucille Apatoff; and his forever “Mountain family.” Chuck is also survived by Bertha, his Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Chuck’s dedication to his family, friends and work was apparent in all aspects of his life. His boisterous laugh and contagious smile will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Since a young age, Chuck has always had a love for animals, especially of his brown dogs: Nina #2, Nina #3, and Bertha. Chuck’s family requests that memorials in his name be sent to The Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604.
The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd at Anderson Stevenson Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Sunday February 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Sunday February 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Sunday February 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Sunday February 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Michael Tooley says
We came to work today and received this news. Chuck was loved and respected here at MDT and I personally really enjoyed his presence. What an amazing human being.
I will miss this good man. You all are in my thoughts and I am very sorry for your loss.
John Pavsek says
Words cannot describe the shock and sadness I experienced when we heard of Chuck’s passing. Chuck was a good man with a big heart. Though I worked with him just a short time, I will miss him. Rest in Peace.
Beth Kappes says
Chuck was my dear friend and mentor and I so enjoyed working with him. We accomplished a lot as a team and had plenty of fun along the way. Chuck was passionate about his work and the outdoors, and more than anything it was apparent how much he loved his family. I will miss him as a friend, and MDT will miss the talented, spirited, and intelligent individual that brought so much to every project he worked on. Sending all of our love and prayers to Laura and Noah in this difficult time.
Rick Fisher says
I only worked with Chuck on one project however working with him was a pleasure. His patients, kindness and leadership will be missed at MDT. Without a doubt Chuck made a positive impact on the world and the people around him. Thoughts to Chuck’s family during this difficult time.
Marla Rogers says
I have worked with Chuck on Consultant projects. I will miss his quiet humor. All my thoughts and prayers are with Chuck and his family during this time.
Kirk Spalding says
I will truly miss Chuck! He was such an exemplorary person and I feel blessed to have known him through our interactions on MDT projects around Montana. Prayers to his family and friends during this time. My condolences especially to Laura and Noah, whom Chuck spoke to me about often; it was obvious his passion for work, which truly stood out as we all know, paled in comparison to the boundless love and commitment to his young family. I will truly miss the commanding and powerful presence of this mighty man.
Chris Montano says
Chuck’s personality sparkled with his hilarious sense of humor, friendliness, generosity, and sensitivity. His huge smile and twinkling eyes lit up his surroundings and warmed all of us around him. My thoughts are with Laura and Noah who made Chuck literally beam with love and pride. Kevin and I are completely heart broken. Chuck was a good man and a good friend who will be terribly missed by the people who were honored to know him.
Sue Foreman says
My thoughts and prayers for Laura, Noah and Chuck’s extended family. There are no words that can be expressed adequately for the sorrow of losing a loved one. The pride and love Chuck expressed for his family was touching and it was always fun when he brought Noah to the office for a visit.
Paul and Jean Jagoda says
From Paul ~
Chuck and I had many discussions over the years. Our favorite was when Chuck and I would meet twice a month to discuss work tasks, but our focus would always turn to our favorite subjects, his son Noah and my grandson Mason. He would update me on the most recent adventure that he, Laura, and Noah went on or share a funny thing that Noah did or an accomplishment that Noah recently achieved. We would then both start laughing about the things Noah and Mason did. I saw over the years how Laura and the birth of Noah brightened his life, he beamed when he talked about his family. He was a loving father and husband. We would eventually fit in a short discussion about work items. Chuck would then thank me for the discussion, give me a firm hand shake, and would leave with a big smile.
From Jean ~
Paul and Chuck really did have a connection. Yes, they had a good working relationship, but it was their obsession with Noah and Mason that really cemented their bond. As a result, I was fortunate to cross paths with Laura and Noah a number of times and see Noah grow. Chuck was so very proud of his beautiful family and it radiated off him. If there was any way he could bring them to a conference he would. I am sure that Noah was the youngest attendee at the AASHTO Conference in Big Sky!
We will miss Chuck and we are saddened that he did not have more time with Laura and Noah. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of Chuck’s family and friends.
Julia Bryant-Barrantes (Sophia’s Mom) says
My husband, Nick, and Chuck co-coached our kids YMCA soccer team. Chuck was always encouraging Nick (a newbie to soccer coaching) and kept the kids laughing. He was a wonderful person to be around and truly enjoyed running around with eight 3 and 4 year olds. Coach Chuck will be terribly missed!
Sending love to Laura and Noah.
Bryan Miller says
Chuck was very passionate about life. It was a pleasure to a be a friend and to work with Chuck at MDT. He was always looking for ways to improve his approach and work processes. I appreciate the impact Chuck made in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Laura, Noah and Chuck’s family.
Kent Barnes says
Chuck brought different viewpoints to the table. I enjoyed working with him and I got a lot out of the relationship. New ideas. New viewpoints. He will be missed but his impact to MDT will last.
Bonnie Page says
Chuck was a sweet & kind man. During my time at work with his wife it was apparent how he loved Laura. He would make a stop by the job to bring her flowers or lunch. He was extremely friendly and brightened the unit by brightening Laura’s day. It is a sad lost for the Helena community. He is gone too soon but heaven must have needed him. Sending love,and prayers.
JR Taylor says
I met Chuck through work when he started at MDT in Helena in 2006. We soon quickly realized that we shared a lot in common and became fast friends. Over the years I was blessed to spend time fishing with him, sharing beers and recently talking about our kids growing. It was so evident how much be loved his family. I was lucky enough to share a last beer with him just a week before he passed. If I had known it would have been our last I would have made sure we had one more. I will miss him dearly as a good friend, a wonderful coworker, and even better family man. Chuck was one of kind presence that I feel very lucky have been a part of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with Noah and Laura in this tragic time. Tight lines in Heaven Chuck! We sure miss you down here.
Chris Curran says
I worked with Chuck and attended training classes with him at MDT. I really enjoyed my time getting to know him over the last few years. His devoted love for his wife and son was very evident, and so was his passion and commitment to work. My thoughts and prayers are with Chuck and his family during this difficult time.
Dori says
I will always remember Chuck’s bright smile. He was a kind, great guy and we’ll miss him around MDT.
Thoughts and prayers are with his dear wife and son as well as the rest of his family and all those who mourn.
Scott Keller says
I had the pleasure of hiring Chuck into the “MDT Family” at the MSU Design Unit here in Bozeman some 15 years ago. I remember his initial quiet approach to new subjects and new people, that quickly became an intimate conversation, and then back to the task at hand. I also remember a determined young man fighting through kidney stones for several months, while maintaining his academic and work assignments. It was a great success for me personally (and to the MDT) to have Chuck select Helena Road Design to continue his professional career after graduation. His success in Road Design, Construction, and Consultant Design were a result of his hard work, attention to detail, and professional approach to work and his co-workers. Chuck and I shared this work philosophy. Over the years, Chuck proudly shared his professional successes with me each time I would bump into him in the Headquarters halls. Our conversation would then turn personal and Chuck would share his personal blessings of his wife, his newly constructed home, and his family.
Since my retirement in 2013, those visits to Helena became less frequent. I will cherish those memories here on earth for the rest of my life. I look forward to having Chuck greet me with a big smile and a firm handsake when I join him in my “Happy Hunting Grounds” and his “Powder Heaven, ” which surely will overlap!
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck’s wife and son, as well as his family and extended family. Chuck will surely be missed, but not forgotten, by all he impacted in his life.
Alan Woodmansey FHWA says
I wasn’t sure what to think of Chuck when I first met him years ago with MDT work. He was always questioning things and trying to better understand. That’s a good thing, but it isn’t necessarily that common. I grew to appreciate his positive, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to making great projects. His personality and mannerisms were one of a kind, so he will not be forgotten. You will be missed, Chuck!
Dustin Hirose says
I truly enjoyed getting to know Chuck and working with him over the past couple of years. I will always appreciate his passion to make projects successful, and his enthusiasm to work together. He was also clearly devoted to his family and will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences.
Manuel Navarro says
Chuck was a close friend to my family in Virginia. From elementary school through high school he was energetic and a fun personality and he will always be remembered with a smile. I played football with Chuck at Langley High School and he was a great athlete. I know Chuck would laugh right now if I simply said to him “39 Sweep”.
Chuck was an avid music fan and he would sit in my living room listening to me play Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers songs on my mothers piano and he was always listening to music. He once told me that he doesn’t play any instruments but the stereo was his instrument, he had a vast CD collection at the time.
Although my time spent with Chuck was in our younger years, he left a permanent mark on my life and the lives of my family, the Navarros. Chuck was a valued member of our group of friends in high school and he had so many friends that he could also call family, becuase he made friends so easily and with such passion.
On behalf of his friends from Virginia I wish his family peace in this time and offer my deepest condolences for all those that knew Chuck. My thoughts are with his wife and son and although I never met you, I am thinking of you and wish you peace in this time.
The last day I spent in Virginia prior moving to California, I spent the entire day with Chuck, he was an adventurer and a jokester, a friend and a guide in life’s journey, Chuck knew how to face challenges and changes with a sense of humor and style and his zeal for friendship and commradarie will never be lost. We all miss and love you Chuckie.
Chris Kelly says
It broke my heart to hear of Chuck’s passing. His enthusiasm filled a room and his passion for his work was always evident. He will be missed.
Jim and Terry Gundersen says
Oh my, life seems so unfair sometimes. Laura, this is Jim and Terry from the glass shop in Townsend. We made your wedding glasses. We were shocked when we read this news about Chuck. Such sad sad news. Chuck was one of our first customers and he had such an interest and an appreciation for what we were doing. We always enjoyed his visits to the shop. Then he met you, Laura….it was very obvious that you two were so happy and then Noah came along. We didn’t get to see you much after life got busy with your beautiful family life. There are now words to adequately express our sadness that this has happened to your perfect little family…..we are so sorry. We will miss Chuck. Please stop by sometime when you feel like it. Please know that we are thinking of you at this most difficult time. Take care…..most sincerely, Jim and Terry Gundersen
Mick Mitchke says
I was so sorry to read this obituary in my internet copy of the Independent Record which I receive in Show Low Arizona where I live. I did not know Chuck but I know Jacquie and Bob Mitschke and wish to offer my condolences to all. The obituary described an amazing man.
Gaye Evans says
I did not know Chuck but know his father. Amazing how much they look alike. My deepest sympathies to the family. May God grant you peace