Charles F. Schmelzle

Charles F. Schmelzle passed into the arms of God on Friday January 16, 2015 surrounded by his family. Chuck was born on December 17, 1928 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport Illinois, son of George H. and Elizabeth Grace (Peck) Schmelzle. Chuck graduated from Freeport High School in 1946, and the University of Illinois in 1950 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for RR Donnelly Printers in Chicago for two years, followed by a two year stint in the United States Navy. He moved back to Freeport in 1954 and married Patricia Ann Fahey on April 23, 1955 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Chuck and Pat were married for 58 years until her passing in June of 2013. He spent 32 years as an engineer at Micro Switch, retiring in 1986. He then returned as an engineer consultant several times over the next four years. Chuck volunteered for several years as a Master Gardner, answering questions at the University of Illinois Extension Service. He was a member, and past president, of the Freeport Golden K Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Aquin Booster Club, The Knight of Columbus, the Stephenson County Historical Society, The Lincoln-Douglas Society, the AmVets, and the Eagle's Club. Chuck was a lifetime member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Chuck was a one-of-a-kind husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, who will be dearly missed. He loved spending time in his yard, attending his children's and grand children's sporting events at Aquin, reading his book, and telling stories. Survivors include his children, Cindy (Kurt) Perry of Freeport, Bill (Pam) Schmelzle of Freeport, David of Yorkville, and Julie (Kevin) Harn of Freeport; grandchildren include Marcia (Patrick) Kirk of Bloomington, MN, Christopher (Megan) Perry of Loves Park, Lindsey (Josh) Cobb of Monroe, WI, Aaron (Hayley Yarocki) Schmelzle of Naperville, Patrick Schmelzle of Freeport, and Kayla and Rachel Harn of Freeport; great- grandchildren include Elle, Colin, & Kyle Kirk of Bloomington, and Brynlee Ann Cobb of Monroe. Preceeding him in death were his parents, his brothers George P. Robert, and William Schmelzle, and his wife of 58 years, Pat. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday January 20th at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Father Kenneth Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00-7:00 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 3:30pm Monday. Visitation will also be at 9:30am till the time of service at St. Thomas. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Aquin Catholic Schools and the Freeport Golden K Kiwanis Club.