Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Charles Vlk Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Charles was a witty, talented man who designed model trains. He started an N-Track Model Railroad Club, and was a part of the Live Steam Club in Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Doris Vlk. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Vlk; children, Jennifer and Michael (Lara) Vlk; sibling, Jean Dukes; and 3 grandchildren, Zoe, Ian, and Trevor.
Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Vlk.
Phone: , obituary line , www.sellarsfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave Ferrari
February 1, 2025
It's hard to believe two years have gone by since Charlie passed away. For many years Charlie and I drove up to TrainFest together. I'd stay at their house the night before then we'd drive up together. It made the whole trip from New Jersey much more enjoyable to share the show experience with him.
Sandra Vistain Bersin
October 19, 2023
I'm so sad to learn of Charlie's passing. I worked with him at Illinois Bell and reported to him at Ameritech. Charlie was smart, sharp, quick witted and kind hearted. A great guy!
My sincerest heartfelt condolences to his dear family.
Richard Sprouse
February 13, 2023
Charlie will be known as a dreamer who made the dreams of the rest of the Model Railroad community come true. Charlie always had a twinkle in his eye and was a great positive influence on all who knew him. My condolences to the family. He was a loveable curmudgeon.
Paul Sinars
February 12, 2023
From all the members of Northwest Ntrak please accept our deepest condolences. Charlie was the catalyst the started our club in the early 90's. He will be missed.
Paul Sinars
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Marianne & Phil Pick
February 9, 2023
So sorry! Deepest sympathy to the family.
Know Charlie from Lake Arlington.
Charlie Colitre
February 8, 2023
Charlie was giant in model railroading especially in N scale. We only met once, last summer at the NSE convention in Nashville, but I felt I had known him for a long time through his reputation and on online forums. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. My he rest in peace.
Chuck Seemann
February 8, 2023
I am very saddened by this news. My condolences to his wife and family. I met Charlie around 1970 in the All-Nation Hobby Shop. What luck! I became interested in N scale in 1963 and received my first model in 1967. Charlie was the first knowledgeable and enthusiastic N scale person I had ever talked to.
charles labuda
February 8, 2023
I remember Charlie from his time spent in the Chicago area and his connection with the Illinois Tech Model Railroaders. He was a wonderful, knowledgeable guy and I enjoyed all the times we got together.
Dennis Henry, Brass Car Sides
February 8, 2023
Charlie and I started connecting in the late-1970s and continued by e-mail until shortly before his death. We had so many overlapping interests in the hobby, train places (Chicago!), and creating passenger car products for modelers. He was generous with his time and knowledge, and demonstrated a critical but unspiteful understanding of the history of multiple manufacturers. He will be greatly missed.
Brian Ehni
February 8, 2023
It is gratifying to see the outpouring of love towards Charlie among the model train world. There have been numerous messages on the Steam Era Freight Car, Passenger Car, and CB&Q email lists. And no doubt others as well. Charlie was well-loved by all.
Archie Hayden
February 8, 2023
I sent Charlie a picture a couple of weeks ago of his old homeplace in Brookfield. He said he bought his first N scale in a little shop across the street from the depot. He will be missed!
Kim Saign
February 8, 2023
I've never met a more knowledgeable person when it comes to the history of N Scale than Charlie. He was the greatest guy to know and call a friend!
Barb and Phil Weibler
February 7, 2023
Charlie was a unique and fascinating person. He was a blessing to Barb and his friends.
Steve Campbell
February 7, 2023
Our Sincerest Condolences to the Vlk Family & Friends. May the ointment of fond memories, sooth the pain in your Heart.
Oh Charlie, We will miss you, your depth of History on model railroading, and your kind willingness to share your knowledge and experiences, not just of MRR, but of Life. YOUR project is nearing completion at JTC, and we are saddened that you will not be here to see its´ announcement. However, your fingerprints are all over it, and in your honor it will be.
Rest Our Friend,
Steve & Stan - JTC Model Trains
Dave Ferrari
February 7, 2023
Charlie was a dear friend and will be sorely missed by so many people whose life he touched. My wife Linda and I send our deepest sympathies to Barb and his entire family.
Ed Minnich
February 7, 2023
I met Charlie several years ago and discovered that we had many model train things in common. Just over a short year ago, Charlie co-founded Tennessee T-Trak Associates, Inc., a regional model train association for which he constructed modular displays and provided invaluable guidance. We´ll miss Charlie, his wit, his expertise, and his contributions to not only TNT-Trak but to the model railroad industry as a whole, and his memory will always be in our hearts.
Ed Minnich, Co-founder
Tennessee T-Trak Associates, Inc.
Ed Minnich
February 7, 2023
George Johnsen
February 7, 2023
Charlie was good people. He was very generous with his smile and with his knowledge. I always looked forward to our talks and his unique perspective on many many things. He was a resource to the hobby community and a good friend. He will be missed.
Brian Paul Ehni, Secy/Treas, Cumberland Division NMRA
February 7, 2023
I enjoyed working with Charlie as we resurrected the Cumberland Division, NMRA. He created the banner we use at events, and he helped me with my project to model a freight car that is a family memory. Also, he was great company when we traveled together to Cocoa Beach in January 2022 for the RPM event there. He'll be missed by many in Middle Tennessee, and not just by N scalers, but also by those in HO.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mount Juliet, TN 37122
Make a Donation
in Charles Vlk's name
People and places connected with Charles
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Vlk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
