Dr. Charles B. Thayer

THAYER, BENNETT, MICKEY, HUBER, SNAKENBERG, NEL, EVINS

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 6/26/2009 at 11:20:05

Dr. Charles B. Thayer, 84, of 7 Montrose Avenue died Friday, May 11, 2007 at Lantern Park Care Center, Coralville.

Charles was born August 21, 1922 in Maplewood, New Jersey, the son of George and Dorothy Bennett Thayer. He received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Rutgers University in 1944. Charles then served with the US Army in the Philippines during World War II. Following the War, he received his DVM in 1947 from Kansas State University. Charles was married to the late Roxanne Mickey from 1946 to 1960. On February 25, 1967 he married Dee Huber Snakenberg at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. They celebrated their 40th anniversary this year.

Charles practiced veterinary medicine in Aurora, IL, Michigan, New Jersey and Oklahoma, where he was held a position with Fort Dodge Laboratories. Charles moved to Iowa City in 1952 where he had a private veterinary practice. In 1957, Charles was the first director of the Laboratory Animal Care Facility in the College of Medicine. Following his retirement in 1979, Charles went to work for the Department of Defense as the Director of the Mindi Clinic on the Atlantic Side in the Republic of Panama. Charles and Dee returned to Iowa City in 1986.

Charles was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where he served as church treasurer, a deacon and a church elder. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church colony that selected the building site for St. Andrew’s prior to its construction.

Charles was a life member of the American and Iowa Veterinary Medicine Associations, charter member and past president of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners, and the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science. In 1963, he served as president of the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.

Charles was longtime member and past president of the Iowa City Optimists Club, Hawkeye Sailing Club where he had served as Commodore, Delta Phi Fraternity, Kansas State Presidents Club and the Colonel Henry Rutgers Society. Charles had served on the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission, the Johnson County Military Affairs Commission and the board of the Iowa City Community Theatre. He had appeared in numerous performances at Iowa City Community Theatre, was involved in the band and chorus at the Senior Center and was an avid Hawkeye fan. He was loyal to the Republican party, and was supportive at the local and state level. Dee and he attended two inaugural balls.

Charles was a true gentleman. He was witty, had a great sense of humor, and was a “character” both on and off the stage. He enjoyed the harmonica, brass bands and celebrations, such as the fireworks on July 4th. Chuck loved to sail and fish, both in freshwater or saltwater. He was a true friend to many, and especially to the “Freds,” a group of childhood friends. He will be greatly missed!

Charles is survived by his wife Dee; four children, Cindy (Stanley) Thayer- Nel of San Rafael, CA, Steve Thayer of Iowa City, Jeff Thayer of San Diego, CA, and Laurie Thayer of Lafayette, CO; two step-children, Penne Evins of Iowa City and John (Elizabeth) Snakenberg of Kennesaw, GA; his brother, Edward B. Thayer of Middletown, NY; his niece, Constance and nephews, George, Ted, Bruce and Tad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Michael and two sisters, Prudence and Sarah

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to “Doctors Without Borders”, Johnson County Senior Center, Iowa City Community Theatre, Iowa City Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice.