Charles Freeman, Jr.
Charles Irwin Freeman, Jr.
July 21st, 1932 – August 3rd, 2025
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Charles Freeman, Jr. for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. Knowing he is saved and in the hands of our Lord in heaven, loved ones gathered to honor his life and lay his earthly remains to rest at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary, IL. Then, the celebration of Charles’ phenomenal life continued with memories, laughter, and tears at one of his staple hangouts, the Broken Oar, on the banks of the Fox River. I had the joy of officiating the wedding for Charles’ son, Chuck, and watching him enjoy the happiness and love that radiates from his beautiful family. It was an honor to be chosen to help his family celebrate his life. Charles will be dearly missed.
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There is a great mixture of emotions stirring in each of us today. Our hearts may feel full of amazement and gratitude as we reflect on the phenomenal life lived by Charles. Our hearts may also feel empty and broken because he is no longer a physical presence in our lives. We have a powerful sense of loss. Where we are experiencing his loss- a missing piece- Charles is experiencing completeness- wholeness. May you know in your heart that his journey is complete, he is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. He is reunited with the many loved ones he had been missing including his parents, Charles Sr. and Mabel, his wife, Betty, and other dear friends and loved ones. He is surrounded by love.
And while the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Charles would not want your heart to be troubled. May you find comfort in sweet memories, may you find peace in the ways you find him to still be a part of your present, and may you find hope in being reunited with him some day in the kingdom of God.
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I had the honor to celebrate with Charles at his son’s wedding two years ago and the chance to learn more about him this week. He was assuredly a fun guy, larger than life, generous to a fault, a rolling party. He was well-loved and will be dearly missed. This wonderful man taught you things, he helped you, he cared for you. Now, how can you keep his message of love with you always? There is something about a father’s/grandfather’s/mentor’s message that truly becomes part of our being, and this poem came to mind. Also, the boating references are quite fitting.
The loss of a father is the anchor pulled from the seabed, the steering wheel unhinged, the mast spilt by lightning and the bow broken by storm. The ship you sail now feels unsafe, no longer weatherproof, without direction or brave heart to speed its way. Perhaps you did not even know that he was your compass, that you gazed upon his lead like a north star in the night. He gave you all of this you see without notice or congratulation. Diligently, consistently, continuously guiding always showing the way in the way he knew how. And whilst you are cast adrift, know this to be true. You will anchor yourself once more when you realize that his voice still speaks, still guides, still brings a brave heart your way in the roughest of storms. And the answers you seek, he already planned deep for he knew one day. So, he buried little pieces of himself within your heart, your mind, your spirit, and your soul; little breadcrumbs of love to show the way home. -The Loss of A Father by Donna Ashworth
My most heartfelt wish for you is that you find those breadcrumbs from Charles and cherish them, continue to learn from them, and feel his love with you always.
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Charles made a big impact on this world.
Born on July 21st, 1932, Charles grew up on and around the Fox River in Illinois. A true river rat, he got his first boat when he was 4 years old.
In high school, he was on the swim team and played football. One day, from the football field, he looked up into the stands and saw the most beautiful girl and claimed that he would marry her- and he did. At 21 years old, Charles married Betty, his high school sweetheart. They welcomed three children into the world and raised them with unwavering love and kindness…and boats! He adored having his son, Chuck, as his side kick. He kept his favorite family photos in his wallet and loved to show them off at social gatherings. Time on the water was treasured, and the stories are plentiful.
Known for a time as the Mayor of Blarney Island, Charles loved to entertain friends and socialize. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. His personality was large, his laughter contagious, and his generous spirit touched the lives of many. A hardworking man, he diligently built a medical electronics business instrumental in establishing the first intensive care units in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, and beyond.
Charles was a beacon of strength and support for all who knew him. A dedicated family man, he led with laughter and wisdom. With his passion for life and strong faith in God, he was a natural born mentor, confidant, and inspiration. He wholeheartedly believed in the goodness of others. And while we can’t quite wrap our heads around it, it does feel like Charles’ 93 years went by way too quickly. He had even just passed his driver’s license test again. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Charles present on this earth for over 9 decades. His time here and his time spent with each of you was a precious gift. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Charles’ and that you were blessed to know him.
I invite you to share the memories, share the love, share his qualities that you miss so much so that Charles’ legacy may endure. Gather with loved ones, spend some time near the river, wear some funny socks, learn the lessons, and remember all those good times.
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Charles will be forever loved and missed by his children, Chuck, Christi, and Cindy, and their spouses and families, 2 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many other dear family members and friends.
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In his wallet, Charles lovingly kept a picture of his mother, in her younger years circa 1950, holding her shot gun, and a prayer card with the secret to eternal life. (See the corresponding pictures)
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains immortal.” –Albert Pike
Everything Charles did for you, all those precious memories he built with you, will remain immortal.
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Charles, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly