Charles Bartsch

With deep sadness the family of Charles A. Bartsch announces his sudden passing on December 15th after a lengthy illness. A lifelong resident of West Chicago, he was born on St. Valentine's Day 1940 to Dorothy and Ralph Bartsch at St. Joseph's Hospital Aurora, Illinois. A loving husband to Madeleine (nee Gissel) his wife of fifty-five  years and devoted father to Heidi (Mike) Heitzler, Daniel Bartsch, Matthew (Roclyn) Bartsch and Jessica Bartsch (Steve Vail).Pampa cherished his seven grandkids, Sean and Rebekah Heitzler, Alexis and Olivia Bartsch, Charlie and Grace Bartsch and Henry Vail. Chuck was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Parish serving as a young Mass server, lector and parish council member and boys basketball coach at St, Mary's School for eight years. A graduate of West Chicago High School, he attended St, Procopius College before serving in the Army for two years, one spent overseas in Korea. He spent his career in the airline industry, initially working for Northwest Orient Airlines. This provided the opportunity to live in Japan for two years with his young family, The better part of Chuck's career was spent with Scandinavian Airlines System, SAS, retiring after twenty-five years. Dedicated to his community, he served as City Treasurer, Alderman and on the planning and historical commissions. For eight years he worked as Fire Commissioner for the West Chicago Fire Department. A leftie pitcher and a right fielder with a great arm, Chuck loved playing baseball and twelve inch softball, Golf and fishing were his passion, along with playing Bridge, also Euchre with his Legion buddies. He was a lifelong Cubbie, Blackhawk and Bears fan.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Alice Black (Bill) and brother, R. Leonard Bartsch. He is survived by his family and by caring in-laws, Joseph Baker, G. Susan Bon (Aldo), William Gissel (Ann), John Gissel (Carrie), and many loved nieces and nephews.  A great guy, full of personality and humor, Chuck had a gift for making all of us laugh. He was blessed with and loved his caregiver of three years, nursing student Becca Choi. Many thanks to our caring and helpful neighbors, the Vigsnes', Alfaros' and Olsons. Also, friends Linda Harlson, Lucy and Marty Haugh, Karen Candusso, Pat Murphy and Bridge Group members for visits and sustenance. A special thank you to nephew Will Gissel, who honored Chuck's military service presenting him with a flag flown over Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Chuck lived many years with a debilitating disease. Our family salutes his courage and undying spirit. Rest in Peace.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 28th from 3 to 8 p.m. at Norris-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, December 29th at St. Mary's Church , 140 N. Oakwood Ave., West Chicago at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in West Chicago. Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials made in Chuck's name to the Parkinson's Foundation - http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/forpop , St. Mary's Church Building Fund or the American Legion Post 300. For info 630-231-0060 or www.norrissegertfh.com