Charles J. Prazak III

Charles J. Prazak III, known affectionately as Chuck, was born on August 12, 1939, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Lydia J. Prazak (nee Koucky) and Charles J. Prazak II of Cicero. Chuck passed away on September 16, 2023 in Elmhurst, Illinois, due to cardiac arrest. He was a beloved husband to Bessmarie L. Prazak and a devoted father to his daughter, Robin. His love extended to his son-in-law, Christiaan Kirk, and his grandsons, Max and Miles Kirk, who brought immense joy to his life. His brother, Richard Prazak, was not only his sibling but also a lifelong friend. His family will remember Chuck as a loving, supportive, and inspirational figure.
Chuck's early life in Cicero and Berwyn set the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and discovery. He pursued an education in physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and his passion for understanding how the world works was a cornerstone of his character that permeated every aspect of his life.
Chuck embarked on a successful career in electronics and engineering including working at National Video Corporation, Stewart Warner Electronics Corporation, Nitec Corporation, and lastly, Zenith Electronics Corporation – where he became Vice President of CRT Development and Engineering. His analytical mind and creative spirit led to numerous patents, marking some technical achievements in the field of electronics. Chuck's colleagues admired and respected him for his dedication, innovative ideas, and commitment to success. Once retired, he focused on website design and continued his love for cooking, especially Czech cuisine, which his family appreciated.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was a man of diverse interests. He had a profound love for music, particularly classical compositions. His appreciation for melody and rhythm extended to modern music groups, showcasing his eclectic taste. Chuck's curiosity and love for understanding how things worked led him to become an accomplished handyman, and he delighted in investigating methods of making electronic and mechanical equipment work.
In the end, the measure of Chuck's life is not just in the patents he earned or the technical achievements he made. It is also in the music he savored, the objects he created or repaired, and the love he gave to his family. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126, directly followed by a memorial service & family eulogy beginning at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be written to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or www.givenow.lls.org.
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.