Charles "Charlie" Gonya

Charles “Charlie” Gonya, 82, of Fremont, passed away November 10, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He was born January 30, 1943, in Fremont, to Russell and Helen (Snyder) Gonya. He was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School. Charlie was a 3rd generation farmer for Gonya Farms and operated the pickle station with his father, uncles, brothers, son and grandson for over 50 years.

On January 20, 1968, he married Betty Burmeister at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together before his passing.

A pillar of the community, Charlie was well known for founding the Gonya-Hull Game Feed that will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in January 2026. It’s been an extraordinary effort led by Gonya-Hull and friends that raised funds for sport scholarships and awards, helping countless local athletes achieve their dreams. He was also one of the most significant contributors to high school athletics and scholarships in the area. Charlie earned recognition as Sandusky County Farmer of the Year and was honored with the Heritage Award at St. Joseph. His legacy in sports was cemented when he was inducted into the St. Joseph Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the esteemed team of 1961. Charlie's brave spirit once shone brightly when he heroically saved three young siblings who had fallen through the ice, and was honored by the community with a ceremony, which his friends and family proudly attended.

In his younger days, he enjoyed playing softball in the local leagues as a home run hitter. He spent many rewarding years as a commercial fisherman, as well as a hunting guide at the Ottawa Shooting Club. A master fabricator and passionate welder, he found joy in creating numerous projects that reflected his skill and artistry.

A lover of life’s simple pleasures, Charlie thrived while listening to polka tapes and visiting the Amish Country with his beloved wife, Betty. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as "Papa Chubby," a nickname that embodied his warm and loving nature. His unwavering support at their sporting events will be cherished by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Gonya; children, Mike (Michelle) Gonya, Curt (Tracey) Gonya; grandchildren, Marcus (Alexis), Haley, Mitchell, Grant, Makenna Gonya; great-grandchildren, Allie and Kip Gonya; sisters-in-law, Donna Gonya and Lois Gonya, Joann Brugger, Kathy Burmeister, and Sarah Auen; brothers-in-law Larry Burmeister, Lamar (Sue) Burmeister, John (Nancy) Burmeister, Sandy Burmeister, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Raymond “Jake” Gonya, brothers-in-law, David Burmeister, Ed Brugger, and Jim Auen, and sister-in-law Kathi Burmeister.

Visitation will be held, Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 PM at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, Ohio, 43420. Additional visiting will be held Monday, November 17, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan Street, Fremont, Ohio, 43420. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM at the church. Monsignor Tad Oxley will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the Gonya- Hull Game Feed.

To express online condolences or to watch Charlie’s Tribute Video, please visit: www.hermanfh.com.