It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Charles Wendell “Charlie” Ganze, who passed away on January 23, 2026, in Carson City, Nevada. Born in Navarro County, Texas, on November 15, 1940, Charlie was a devoted husband, father, Opa, and friend whose wisdom, leadership, and steady, quiet strength touched the lives of many.

Throughout his life, Charlie exemplified dedication, integrity, and service. He spent more than 38 years with the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA), retiring as General Manager in January 2011. Known for his dependability and practical insight, Charlie was widely respected for his expertise in environmental management. Though never one to seek the spotlight, he frequently met with elected officials in Austin and Washington, D.C., where he clearly and logically articulated the benefits of regional environmental solutions. His close relationship with the GCA Board of Directors and work colleagues continued as enduring friendships long after his retirement. His contributions were recognized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Texas Water Conservation Association, and the National Water Resources Association. Charlie took great pride in the accomplishments of his colleagues at GCA and in the collective impact they made on environmental stewardship in Texas.

Before joining GCA, Charlie worked for Union Carbide, where he gained a deep understanding of the needs of the petrochemical and refining industries and the advantages of regional treatment. Earlier in his career, he taught public school—an experience that shaped his ability to teach applied science and fostered the mentoring spirit he carried throughout his professional life.

Charlie loved the outdoors and embraced opportunities for exploration and adventure. He could often be found fishing, hunting, golfing, downhill skiing, gardening, brewing beer, tailgating at Texas A&M football games, or planning his next trip. Some of Keith’s earliest memories are on a boat with his dad, collecting “samples” for Charlie’s doctoral research—while also catching dinner. A gifted cook, Charlie will be fondly remembered for his shrimp gumbo, stuffed flounder, Tuscan soup, and fresh‑picked garden vegetables.

A passionate traveler, Charlie was a master of the Eurail system and delighted in taking friends and family on journeys across nearly every country in Europe, with frequent visits to Germany and Austria. He consulted briefly in Brazil and traveled with friends and family to Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico. His final international trip was to Australia and New Zealand in February 2025, and he was already dreaming of “just one more” trip to Europe.

Charlie is survived by his son, Keith, and his wife, Tammy Ganze; his daughter, Karen, and her husband, Francis “Buddy” Quin; his brothers, George Ganze and Eddie Ganze and his wife, Jane; his brother‑in‑law, Arthur “Sonny” Bancroft; and his grandchildren, Abigail Ganze, Katherine Jennings, and Grant Jennings. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; his sister, Mary Bancroft; sister-in-law, Darlene Ganze; and his parents, Hubbard “Hub” and Bonnie “Lessie” Ganze.

An informal, come‑and‑go visitation for friends and colleagues in the Clear Lake, Texas, area will be held at Crowder Funeral Home – Webster/Clear Lake on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (111 East Medical Center Boulevard, Webster, Texas 77598).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Powell Baptist Church in Powell, Texas. The Church’s fellowship hall will be open for visitation at 10:00 a.m. A private interment for immediate family will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Arthritis Foundation (EIN: 58‑1341679), in recognition of Charlie’s longstanding love and commitment to Ruth and his advocacy for advancing research toward a cure for this debilitating disease.

Charlie’s quiet wisdom, love, and unwavering care will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed, and we will forever cherish our memory of his life