Obituary for Charles "Chuck" R. Van Sickle
Charles “Chuck” R. Van Sickle, 87, of Winnebago, died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in his home. He was born August 4, 1934 in Rockford, the son of Oscar Charles and Gladys Mae (Brussel) Van Sickle. He graduated from West High School in 1952. Chuck married Margaret L. Bowden on August 20, 1955 in Belvidere.
Chuck began his career at Barnes Drill Company in Rockford as a service technician moving into the drafting department and then head of the sales department where he worked in the honing manufacturing industry. In 1989 Chuck became Executive Vice President of the North American Subsidiary of Kadia, a German Company, which made and sold honing and deburring equipment. He became known as a leading authority in the honing industry. Through his association with Kadia he developed many friendships with his German colleagues who became like family to him. Chuck often traveled to Germany on business and to see his friends in retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Chuck was civic minded where he has been Chairman of the Zoning Board since 1969, was the Village of Winnebago President from 1969 – 1977, served on the community counsel, was a village trustee and was honored as the Village of Winnebago citizen of the year in 2006. He was instrumental in the development of the Little League Baseball program in Winnebago and was proud to coach the Miller Steak House championship team and was President of the Winnebago Fans Club. He was a charter member of the Winnebago Community Historical Society and a member of the Winnebago United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could often be found in Dixon watching his grandchildren’s sporting events where everyone knew him as “Grandpa Chuck”. He enjoyed golfing and hosting the Van Sickle annual Lobster Party.
Chuck is survived by his children, Thomas (Penny Miller) Van Sickle, Melanie (Steven) Lukasik, Theodore (Susan) Van Sickle; grandchildren, Shane (Renae) Van Sickle, Maigan (Chris) Dodson, Cassie, Oscar, Alex, Maggie and Carley Van Sickle; great- grandchildren, Brynn and Libby Van Sickle, Max Miller, Anna, Ella and Henry Dodson; sister, Marjorie (Roger) Day; several nephews and nieces.
Chuck is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Maggie; sister, Carol.
A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Winnebago Community Historical Society. Cremation rites accorded with interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
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Chuck began his career at Barnes Drill Company in Rockford as a service technician moving into the drafting department and then head of the sales department where he worked in the honing manufacturing industry. In 1989 Chuck became Executive Vice President of the North American Subsidiary of Kadia, a German Company, which made and sold honing and deburring equipment. He became known as a leading authority in the honing industry. Through his association with Kadia he developed many friendships with his German colleagues who became like family to him. Chuck often traveled to Germany on business and to see his friends in retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Chuck was civic minded where he has been Chairman of the Zoning Board since 1969, was the Village of Winnebago President from 1969 – 1977, served on the community counsel, was a village trustee and was honored as the Village of Winnebago citizen of the year in 2006. He was instrumental in the development of the Little League Baseball program in Winnebago and was proud to coach the Miller Steak House championship team and was President of the Winnebago Fans Club. He was a charter member of the Winnebago Community Historical Society and a member of the Winnebago United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could often be found in Dixon watching his grandchildren’s sporting events where everyone knew him as “Grandpa Chuck”. He enjoyed golfing and hosting the Van Sickle annual Lobster Party.
Chuck is survived by his children, Thomas (Penny Miller) Van Sickle, Melanie (Steven) Lukasik, Theodore (Susan) Van Sickle; grandchildren, Shane (Renae) Van Sickle, Maigan (Chris) Dodson, Cassie, Oscar, Alex, Maggie and Carley Van Sickle; great- grandchildren, Brynn and Libby Van Sickle, Max Miller, Anna, Ella and Henry Dodson; sister, Marjorie (Roger) Day; several nephews and nieces.
Chuck is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Maggie; sister, Carol.
A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Winnebago Community Historical Society. Cremation rites accorded with interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Memorial Visitation
Thursday
10
Feb
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Genandt Funeral Home
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Cemetery Details
Location
Oak Hill Cemetery
406 W. State St.
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Memorial Contribution
Winnebago Community Historical Society
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