Charles Lawrence Spathies

Charles Lawrence Spathies, age 66, of Lanark, IL, passed away at FHN Memorial Hospital, in Freeport, IL, on May 18, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, May 31, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Lanark. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, before the service.
Charles, or Chuck as most knew him, was born July 4, 1958 in Chicago, IL, the son of William and Josephine (Blackham) Spathies. Apparently, he was so excited to be born on our nation's birthday, that he couldn't even wait for the professionals; and thus, little Chuck was born in the back of a taxi cab, on the way to the hospital!
Chuck, one of eight children, grew up in Chicago and attended Our Lady Help of Christians grade school, then graduated from Holy Cross High School, with the class of 1977. It's no surprise that during his formative years, he grew to love the Beatles, and many '70s bands. It was around this time as well, that his affinity for cars took hold (he owned a couple classics back in the day), and his love for music and cars would carry with him for the rest of his days.
After high school, Chuck went to work as a machinist in Franklin Park, before entering the world of general contracting, where he was a superintendent with Spathies Construction, his father's company. During this time Chuck was married a couple times and had an additional meaningful relationship, and although the love part never was quite right, he was blessed with a son, and step-children, who he loved.
Chuck ultimately decided to move to the Lake Carroll/Lanark area, at the suggestion of his brother. He then started Spathies Remodeling and Flooring, in Savanna. Chuck was the type of guy who would welcome you into his home, and share stories for hours. His family lovingly joked that if you had a long drive ahead of you, just call Uncle Chuck, and you'll be entertained the whole time!
Soon, Chuck received another blessing; this time, in the form of his beloved grandson, Chaz Jr. He and little Chaz built an incredible bond, that concluded each day with a video call, even though they only lived about a mile apart. Chuck, a man who was so graciously a father figure to many throughout his life, received the ultimate grandfatherly reward; a truly beautiful relationship with his grandson.
Chuck will be dearly missed by his son, Chaz (Danielle) Spathies, Sr., of Lanark; grandson, Chaz, Jr.; step-children, Frankie Szwacz, Millie (Alfonso) Ribot, and Leticia Cheepany; sisters, Billy Jo (Bill) Healing and Peggy (Dave) Smedley; brothers, Thomas Spathies, George (Laura Jean) Spathies, William (Charla) Spathies, Pete Spathies, and Teddy Spathies; step sisters, Ellen, Debbie, and Diane; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, William and Josephine; and his grandmothers, Peggy Spathies and Josephine Studebaker.