Age 81, Shenandoah, Va.
Charles Franklin “Charlie” Printz Sr., 81, of Shenandoah, passed away Saturday, August 29,2026, at his home surrounded by his devoted wife and family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, family member, and friend whose life was defined by love, hard work, and devotion to those closest to him.
Born on December 26, 1944, born at home Luray, VA, Charlie was the son of the late Joseph Franklin and Hilda Lurene Judd Printz. He lived a full life rooted in faith, family, and community. Throughout his years, he will be remembered for his steady presence, generous heart, and the care he showed to the people he loved.
Charlie enjoyed gardening, fishing, farming, more than 35 years of family vacations to the Outer Banks, and the retirement years he shared after 26 years with Merck, where he retired in December 1999. He also cherished his church and faith as a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grove Hill, Shenandoah, Virginia.
Known for his great sense of humor, quick wit, storytelling and memorable sayings affectionately called “Charlisms,” Charlie lived a life rich with experience and guided by strong principles, kindness, strength, humility, and faith. A natural mentor with a gift for mechanical work, he generously shared his knowledge with his sons and others, offering patient guidance, practical wisdom, and steady encouragement. Through his example. he taught lasting lessons about hard work, fatherhood, marriage, and caring for family.
Devoted to his wife and family, he remained a pillar of steadfastness and strength as he fought a courageous battle with grace and humility. He found joy in time spent with family, working with his hands, sharing stories, and being present for the moments that mattered. Charlie will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Monica Foltz Printz, with whom he shared nearly 62 years of marriage; his sons, Charles “Chuck” Printz, Jr. and his wife, Sharon, and Shawn Printz and his wife, Michelle; his grandchildren, Tyler Printz, Trask Printz, Ashley Printz Moyer and her husband, Ashby, and Lauren Printz and partner, Jonathan Fauviaux, as well as his sister, Dorothy Atkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Cornelia Printz Richards and Brenda Gochenour.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6433 US-340, Shenandoah, VA 22849. The family will receive friends from to 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday evening at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton.
In lieu of flowers. memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6433 US-340, Shenandoah, VA 22849; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box, 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or by visiting cancer.org/donate.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Sentara Hospice nursing staff, Susan Huyard, Dr. Prichard, VMRC Skilled Care staff at Oak Lea and chaplain, Pastor Tarja Stevenson of St. Paul Lutheran Church, for their care, support, and kindness.
The family is grateful for the love, prayers, and condolences shared during this time of loss.
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