Charles Jesse Mann

In his faith, we saw his strength; in his family, we saw his joy; and in his unforgettable smile, we saw the very reflection of God’s love.

Charles Jesse Mann was born in Bangor, Maine on April 20, 1959, to his parents, Charles and Aiko Mann. His early childhood years were spent living in Japan alongside his parents, grandparents, and his four siblings: Carol (and Larry Emerick), Joseph, Carl “Jeff”, and Christine (and John Smaha). Charles was preceded in death by his beloved father, Charles and brother, Jeff. In 1966, the family moved to California, settling in Rancho Cordova. Charles later graduated from Cordova High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and the absolute love of his life, Catherine Zilles.

Charles and Catherine went on to build a beautiful life together after 47 years of marriage rooted in the deep love that began in their school days. They were married in 1978 at the home of Catherine’s parents, Robert and Evelyn Zilles, alongside their loved ones. Together, they were blessed with five children: Jessica (and Chris Monroe), Holly (and Michael Martinez), Joshua (and Amanda Mann), Michael (and Stephanie Mann), and Joyanne (and Stephen Wegley). As a father, he poured his heart into his family. He was a man defined by his work ethic, spending decades providing for his family with a steady, quiet dedication that never wavered. Charles was always the first person everyone called whenever they needed a hand; he was always ready to help and widely relied upon for his deep expertise having spent 30+ years mastering his craft earning multiple certifications and accolades in heating and air, electrical and welding, and plumbing trades.

As a family, they shared a passion for sports, avid 49ers and Kings fans through and through. But for Charles, his absolute favorite games to watch were the ones played by his own children. Whether he was rooting for his kids from the bleachers of a football, basketball, and volleyball match, or coaching on the sidelines of a soccer field, Charles was always their biggest fan. He never missed a moment to support them, and his face would completely light up with pride watching them compete and play the games they loved.

Alongside sports, music held a special place in Charles’ heart. He loved playing the guitar, filling his home with melodies. Whether he was practicing softly on his own or sharing a song with those he loved, worshiping the Lord, music was another beautiful way Charles expressed his deep joy for life. He also found great comfort and companionship in his beloved pets, especially his dog Josie, who was a cherished part of his daily life.

As his children grew and started families of their own, Charles proudly stepped into his favorite role yet: becoming a grandfather to Sierra, Shelby (and Rome Marlang), Shyanne, Skyler, Alexander, Allison, Avery, Emily, Molly, Henry, Elijah, Kairi, and Isabella, and great-grandfather to: Iris, Ivy, Keanu, and Kenani. He brought that same unwavering love and enthusiasm to a new generation, creating a whole new lifetime of cherished memories. Whether he was cooking and baking treats in the kitchen, playing games, getting ready for the holidays, flying kites, or taking trips to listen to the crashing waves at the ocean, his grandkids were the light of his life. He also held a special place in his heart for his many beloved nieces and nephews, each of whom brought additional joy to his life and loved their uncle dearly.

Charles loved the Lord with all his heart. His faith wasn't about perfection, but about a sincere, true commitment to God. He lived his life as a reflection of that grace, quietly teaching his family the values of forgiveness, humility, and unconditional love. His trust in the Lord was his ultimate anchor through all of life's seasons.

To remember Charles’ smile is to remember absolute warmth—a warmth shaped by those years of hard work, unconditional love, and an unshakeable joy for life. It was a generous, full-face expression that possessed a rare kind of power: it instantly made you feel like the most important person in the world. At the age of 67, Charles Jesse Mann passed away peacefully, called home to heaven while wrapped in the love and prayers of his family. Though the light his smile radiated has gone quiet, the feeling it gave us will never fade.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Charles' life and faith: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Touchstone Christian Fellowship, 5300 Maddison Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841. After the service, all are invited to continue the celebration at the Reception Hall.