Charles “Chuck” Burnell, 79 of Huntley, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on July 14, 2017.
Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4-8pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home- 10763 Dundee Road, and visitation will also be on Wednesday from 9-10:00am at St. Mary Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00am followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Elgin. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Chuck was born May 23, 1938 in Elgin, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Anna Burnell. He was hardworking and spent his formative years on his family’s farm in Elgin, Illinois and always valued bucolic life. On September 29, 1962, he married Mary Anna Ostdick and they settled in to a home that Chuck had built and furnished himself.
During his early career he worked in a variety of materials management positions for several hospitals. Later, he accessed his entrepreneurial spirit, sense of adventure, and love of beautiful things, by acquiring and starting up a couple of small businesses and owning and managing several apartment buildings.
Chuck was creative, inventive, and could solve any mechanical issue. He loved antique cars and, at one time, owned a 1929 Ford Model A and a 1924 Ford Model T. His sharp wit and self-deprecating humor were evident and endeared him to anyone that came in contact with him.
By far, Chuck’s most treasured accomplishment was his family and he loved any time that he could spend with them. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, Elaine Burnell, Lisa Burnell (Michael Balcer), Joseph (Anne) Burnell, and by his three grandchildren, Carson Balcer and Jack and Charlie Burnell.
He is also survived by his sisters, Maurine (Donald) Weberpal, Elizabeth (Ronald) Davis, Judith (Edward) Hahn, and Dori Tucker. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Leona Arlene Follis, Gladys Schmidt, and Linda Reinert.
For further information, please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorejoregensen.com.
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Prayers to you at this most difficult time.