Charles W. Pries

 

Charles (Chuck) William Pries, 91, formerly of Lacon, Illinois passed December 3, 2023, surrounded by his family at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. In the end, his jovial smile and hearty laugh were quieted, leaving an audible silence.

Born July 18, 1932 in Peoria, IL to Elsie (Knoerle) and Carl Pries, Chuck was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. A lifelong Lacon resident, Chuck was educated and graduated from Lacon High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a combat Staff Sargent from 1952-1956 in the Korean War. While stationed in Phoenix, AZ, Chuck played semi-pro baseball in the Cactus League, positioned at first base. Later, he was a member of the VFW American Legion, serving, for over 6 decades as a Past Commander. 

Chuck courted his sweetheart, Evelyn Wood, wooing her over pizza at Blarney Castle Pizzeria in Chillicothe. They tied the knot on September 3, 1960 at small ceremony at the Congregational Church in Lacon, IL. She survives. He proudly fathered two children: Lisa (Jim) Heck of Germantown Hills and Dan (Lori) Pries of Bloomington, and is the grandfather of one: Matthew Heck of Peoria. 

Chuck joined his father in “the tavern business”, manning the bar at Carl’s Tap. He later took over his father’s bar, and with a friend, renamed it the 119 Club, which he owned and operated for many years. Chuck wore many hats, working several jobs outside of the tavern. He was employed by the parts department at White Farm Equipment. Chuck served as a volunteer firefighter for Lacon-Sparland Fire Department for many years and was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lacon, where he was a board member for many years. After 20 years at the Caterpillar Hose Plant in Mossville, he retired in 1994. 

In retirement, Chuck was incredibly active. An avid sportsman, Chuck spent weeks in the summer and fall fishing in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, and he spent countless hours setting up duck blinds along the Illinois River to duck hunt. Chuck also worked at the Marshall County Conservation Area for many years, sharing his passion for nature and responsible sportsmanship with anyone who stopped in. After his wife, Eve, survived breast cancer, Chuck and Eve volunteered yearly at the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Peoria, packaging goody bags and standing strong with the partners of other breast cancer survivors in the “3 Miles of Men”. The man with the green thumb, Chuck worked diligently each season tending to his garden. He will be remembered for his infamous practice of tying up tomato plants with Eve’s old pantyhose. An avid golfer, Chuck and Eve frequented many local courses, driving ranges and putting greens, frustrating their grandson all the while, who never seemed to be able to “get the chip in!” Chuck’s hole-in-one at the Lacon Country Club at age 76 was a highlight of his retirement. As a lifelong, devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he loved to cheer on his team, be it at Wrigley Field or the comfort of his recliner at home. Chuck and Eve traveled extensively during their respective retirements. From Alaskan cruises, to warm Texan winters, to visiting distant family members in upstate New York, Chuck and Eve made countless memories and lifelong friends at each stop. Many will remember the countless rounds of euchre played with them, frequently fueled by old fashions and laughter.

Chuck’s infectious warmth welcomed all and his kind demeanor kept innumerable friends in his circle. His gentle presence will be truly missed. See you on the other side, choo-choo. 

Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon, IL, with a visitation at 10:00 and funeral at 11:00. Chuck’s family asks for anyone who knew him to leave a memory at lenzmemorialhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Lacon-Sparland Fire Protection District or Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Chuck’s memory.