Charles Edward Feltes

Charles "Chuck" Feltes, age 77, originally of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on January 13, 2025 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He was known for his clear, blue eyes and bright smile. He was an avid Bears, White Sox, and Blackhawks fan, and his favorite pastimes were golfing and cooking. He loved the "oldies" and always listened to 60s music, especially while driving, singing along to every song. Chuck's favorite role was proud grandpa, with 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them do what they loved most. He enthusiastically attended their sporting events, concerts, plays, graduation ceremonies, and other activities throughout the years.

Born in Chicago on March 12, 1947 to the late Gordon and Clare (Petty) Feltes, Chuck grew up as a proud south-sider with his brother and five sisters. After graduating from St. Philip Basilica High School, he took classes at University of Illinois Chicago before joining the U.S. Army in 1966. Following basic training, he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he attended Officer's Candidate School (OCS) and earned the rank of Second Lieutenant. Chuck's first wife, Ann, who was pregnant with their first daughter, joined him in Oklahoma. They moved back to Chicago in 1969 and welcomed their second daughter into the world in 1972. Chuck attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 1975, followed by a Master's degree from Northwestern University's Graduate School of Management in 1979. He had a successful career in Sales & Marketing Management. While both Chuck and Ann went on to remarry, they co-parented their daughters and shared many joyous moments with their children and grandchildren.

Chuck married his beloved Lauren on Valentine's Day, 1981, embracing her three children as his own. His family was everything to him. They lived in Villa Park, then Roselle, Illinois, before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2012. Chuck and Lauren enjoyed 12 wonderful years in Florida, where they made many friends and enjoyed attending the dances and parties at their community's club house.

In 1995, at the age of 48, Chuck received a heart transplant. He was incredibly grateful for this gift of life and humbled by the impossible decision made by his donor's family. He passionately promoted organ donation, often sharing his story. He would have celebrated the 30th anniversary of his transplant in April. In 2017, after 20 years of taking anti-rejection medication, Chuck's kidneys began to fail, and he endured dialysis three times a week for over four years until he received a new kidney in 2021. Over the years, he fought numerous health battles, yet always had a positive outlook and rarely complained. His faith in God was renewed after his heart transplant, and that faith sustained him for the rest of his life. He treasured every extra day he was given. In April of 2024, when Chuck started having more serious health issues, he and Lauren moved back to Illinois to be near family and resided at Brookdale Senior Living in Glen Ellyn. The family appreciates the excellent care Chuck received there, especially in his last few weeks.

Chuck is survived by Lauren as well as his five children: Jim Gough, Lisa (Brian) Spike, Sandie (Robert) Wrona, Dan (Erin) Gough, and Jennifer (John) Fioti; his 12 grandchildren: Brody, Jackie (Mikey), Sam, Brianna, Andrew (Shelby), David (Lauren), Abby, Savanna, Maddie, Liam, John, and CarolAnn; and four great-grandchildren: Bentley, Karoline, Leighton, and Lillian. He is also survived by two cherished sisters, Sheila (Mike) Krueger and Liz (Tony) Rossignuolo, brothers-in-law Ray Walter and Tim O'Connell, sisters-in-law Bettie Helm, Carole Green, and Jeanne (Tom) Wind, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dave Feltes, twin sister Mary Cooper, and sisters Judy O'Connell and Clare Walter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Organ Transplant Support (organtransplantsupport.org). Chuck was very honored to be part of this organization, and even served as president for a time.

A memorial service to celebrate Chuck's life will be held on Saturday, March 1st at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove, Illinois. The family will host an open-house luncheon from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with a prayer service at 2:30.