Charles 'Charlie' Marshall, Jr.

A man after God's own heart, Charlie Marshall Jr. enriched his faith in countless ways. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. Charlie lived life in service to others. His family was his greatest delight, and nothing commanded more devotion from him than his love for the church and the Lord. Unassuming, patient, and kind to all, Charlie not only talked his walk, but truly lived it every step of the way.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in American history, and sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. During this age of growth and innocence, the world was made brighter on May 20, 1952 with the birth of Charles E. Marshall, Jr., born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his loving parents, Charles E. Marshall, Sr. and Dorothy (Bowles) Marshall.

Charlie's father worked for Continental Can while his mother, a homemaker, looked after their household. Charlie grew up in the village of Grafton, Wisconsin where the Marshall's made their home. He was raised alongside his sisters, Linda, Jann, and Deb, and attended the local schools where he excelled in his studies. Charlie experienced typical adventures as a young boy, and was a well liked friend. Imagine how stunned Charlie and his buddies were during their youth intending to catch the latest James Bond movie at the theater. It wasn't quite what they expected after buying their tickets when they discovered the theater changed the movie that week to, "The Sound of Music"!

During high school, Charlie played on the golf team, and ran cross country. In fact, he held numerous school records which stood for a number of years. When it came to golf, he ranged between a 3-4 handicap most of his adult life. During high school and college, Charlie and his best friend, Steve often went on long bike trips. He graduated from Grafton High School, and with his schooling behind him, Charlie went on to further his studies at Judson University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree.

There was much more in store for Charlie during his college years at Judson than he could have imagined. In the Fall of 1972, he found the love of his life there, Karen Wright. She worked in the coffee shop on campus, and Charlie knew from the moment they met she was his soul mate, but it took some convincing. Even when he bent down on one knee in her mother's kitchen and asked, "Will you grow old with me?", Karen was prepared to say no, but how could she resist?! It was a happy day for Charlie when Karen said "yes" to his proposal, and on July 13, 1974 at Rogers Park Baptist Church they were blessed in marriage. It was certainly a day to remember for many reasons, including the 102 degree heat and no air conditioning in the church!

It was also during his time in college when Charlie became interested in the sciences. He enjoyed his work in the lab, and found his niche early on working at Color Tile and for Olympic Stain. For the last 25 years, he worked as a chemist at the Valspar Corporation..

Charlie was a devoted and good provider. He took his role as husband to heart, and when he became a father, he was overjoyed. Together, Charlie and Karen raised their children in a faith filled home. Their daughter, Elizabeth Ann came along in 1975, and Phillip Charles followed in 1978. Jeremy David was born in 1982, and Benjamin James completed their family in 1987. Charlie was at his best being a dad and loved his children not only in word, but in deed.

A loving example for his children to live by, Charlie invested both quality and quantity of time with his family. He played, prayed, read to, and supported his children wherever God led them in life. Truly their hero, he came to love his grandchildren in the very same way. He could spend hours upon hours with them, and was even able to spend a little time with his new grandson, Seth before he passed away. Little Seth was born on Charlie's birthday, and it made his Papa proud!

Charlie had a gift for coming up with endless nicknames for his children and grandchildren. He also loved his daughter-in-laws as his own, and never referred to them as in-laws, but simply, his “daughters”. Whenever the grandkids had their annual, “Grandma Camp”, (it was really Grandma AND Papa camp), Charlie was sure to take his vacation during that week so he could be with them, too. The very definition of a family man, Charlie savored every moment he spent with those he loved! Although he was a huge sports fan and loved the Chicago Cubs and Bears, anyone who knew Charlie knew how much he loved his grandkids!

There was much to admire about Charlie. He was a hard worker, devoted to his family, and was equally dedicated to the church. He loved the church, which was manifested through his unwavering devotion to where the Lord had him call his church home. He was very active serving as a deacon and worship leader, and was involved in the children's and youth ministries. A devoted believer in Jesus Christ, it clearly showed when Charlie led the music during worship services at church. When Charlie and Karen moved to Kankakee in 2009, his oldest son told them after they began ministering at Grace Baptist Church that it wouldn’t be long before God would have them lead in the worship ministry and serve as a deacon, and both came to fruition through his prophecy. His favorite hymn, which resounded in Charlie's soul these last days, was, "It Is Well With My Soul".

Among his many interests, Charlie loved golf! He shared many stories about his times on the course, but they were always stories, never bragging rights. He also loved to read, but not the kind of reading his wife would consider real reading – it was usually technical. He favored books on Christianity and the church, and loved watching NCIS on TV. He and his sons had a way of annoying others in the room by spontaneously quoting random movies. Even though Karen wasn't much of a pet person, she occasionally humored Charlie and the kids by allowing a cat, dog, or whatever else once in a while.

Memorable times shared with family and friends were etched in Charlie's heart and mind. He fondly recalled the eventful vacation they took with friends to the north woods of Wisconsin in 1992, and wonderful holidays, especially as his children were growing up, and enjoying time with extended family. No one will ever forget the kids sticking the bows from his presents on top of his head which became quite the tradition! These sweet memories cradled Charlie's soul, but his wedding day and the birth days of his children and grandchildren were counted as his greatest.

Charlie had the heart of a servant. Whether at work, with his family, at church, or socially, he humbly and graciously gave, sharing his time, talents, and God given abilities. His character was one of kindness, and his integrity went beyond his honest demeanor. With his ever playful nature, it was a joy to be in Charlie's company. A true gentleman in all he did, he was always helpful, and could easily serve the least of them, unassuming, and faithful. As much as Charlie was a lover of God, he was a lover of people. His faith and his Lord were everything to him, and he lived it each and every day he was blessed with. In the last conversation Charlie had with his kids, he urged them to, “Always trust in the Lord, serve Him with everything you have, love your families, and take care of Mom.”

Charles E. “Charlie” Marshall Jr., age 61, of Bourbonnais, IL, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, IL. He is survived by his wife, Karen of Bourbonnais; daughter, Elizabeth (Jerry) Becker of Willowbrook, IL; his three sons, Phillip (Darcie) of Altoona, PA, Jeremy (Jenny) of Elgin, IL, and Benjamin (Brittany) of Bourbonnais, IL; five grandchildren, Halle, Evan, Karis, Lexi, and Seth; three sisters, Linda (Luke) Racine of Cedarburg, WI, Jann (Chris) McCann of West Bend, WI, and Deb Haddad of Aurora, IL along with several nieces and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering for family and friends will take place Friday, June 14, 2013 from 4-7 PM at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home’s Bourbonnais Chapel. Friends may also gather on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 9:00 AM until the time of his service at 10:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church with Reverend Dwight Asher officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Aroma Township. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Christian Academy in Kankakee. Please visit www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com where you can share a favorite memory and photo of Charlie and sign his online guest book.