Charles Firman

Charles Francis Firman, known to many as "Pastor Charlie," passed away peacefully in the

early morning hours on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. He was 89 yrs old, (or as he would've

said, "in his 90th year"). Born on November 18, 1936, to Ronald and Edna Firman (Snyder),

Charlie attended the Harlem District schools, graduating in 1954; the first in his family to do so.

He joined the National Guard during the summer after graduation where he served as a cook.

He then continued his education for two years at Trinity College and two years at Chico State,

graduating with a B.A. in 1959. In 1960, Charlie attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

where he earned his MA in Divinity. While there, he would commute back to Rockford and serve

at Loves Park Free Church as the youth pastor.

On January 26, 1963, Charlie married Carol Hagelin. Together they served numerous Free

churches in Rockford and Loves Park for many years. In 1976, Charlie left full-time church

ministry and joined the Army as a Chaplain. He and Carol moved their growing family to

Colorado Springs, CO, where he served at Fort Carson. They would also spend time in

New Haven, CT, at Yale University for a special Chaplain's Training Course, and 4 more years at

Fort Knox, KY. In 1983, Charlie and Carol moved back to Rockford and lived there ever since.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents; brother, Bill; sister, Judy; and his son, Carl Firman.

He is survived by his son Patrick (Margarette) Firman; daughter, Cindy (Mike) Rhines;

daughter, Beth (Trent) Larson; grandchildren Maya and Trey Firman, Todd (Emeris) Rhines, Jodi

(David) Gerada, and Emily and Ethan Larson. Charlie was elated to be able to meet his

great-grandson, Henri Rhines.

From his time working as a youth pastor to being a full-time pastor to his time in the military

and beyond, Charlie always had a heart for the "down-and-outer". He was always advocating for

the young people. Whether it was a highschooler looking for direction and encouragement to

young troops far from home to helping young adults find affordable housing, he wanted to give

others what he often lacked as a young person himself.

Living in many different parts of the country, Charlie loved having friends and family visit. He

loved fishing and camping in Colorado and sightseeing on the East Coast. In his pastime, he

loved purchasing houses he famously said had "great potential." With a lot of patience from

Carol, he would restore and remodel homes as his passion projects.

When the grandkids came along, he loved taking them out to breakfast or entertaining them at

home with games, his funny stories, jokes and silly songs.

Charlie will be remembered for his witty, quick sense of humor and his advocacy for people of

all ages. In his last days, he always wanted updates on the kids and grandkids and

great-grandson Henri, wanting to know how they were and what they were "up to," always so

proud to speak about them to others. Carol was always on his mind and heart, as he missed her

terribly. Now they can enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet treat again together and with all those

who have gone before.

The family would like to thank the nurses and caretakers at Fairhaven Christian Retirement

Center, especially those on the 3rd floor health center, and Northern Illinois Hospice for their

care of both Charlie and Carol.

A Visitation/Open House will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in

the Hospitality Court at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 N. Alpine Rd.

Rockford, IL.