Charles Janicke

Charles V.F. Janicke, 82 years old, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away Sunday January 5, 2025 at Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport, IL. He was born to Joseph and Bessie (Renner) Janicke on August 15, 1942 in Oneco, Illinois. Charles graduated from Orangeville High School with the class of 1960. He served his country for five and half years in the Illinois National Guard. On August 22, 1964 he married Sharon Diestelmeier at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lena, Illinois. Charles worked at W.T. Rawleigh Company and then 36.5 years as a pressman for the Freeport Journal Standard newspaper. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Freeport, Illinois, where he served as an usher, communion assistant and greeter over the years.

Charles treasured watching his grandson’s sporting events and also meals, vacations, and get-togethers with his family, son-in-law’s family and his and Sharon’s closest friends. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He was noted for his homemade buttered popcorn and his beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Charles was also an avid bowler.

Surviving is his wife, Sharon; one daughter and son-in-law Susan and Rick Fago; one grandson, Tyler Fago; one brother Clarence (Geraldine) Janicke; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; two brothers, Larry and John; and two sisters, Elaine Loeffelholz and Josephine Gerloff.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL. A visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until the time of service at church. Private burial of cremated remains will be at Grandview Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Charles’ memory. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff of Stephenson Nursing Center for their compassionate care to Charles the last two and a half years. God bless every one of you.