Charles “Chuck” George Boen, 63, of Peoria, Illinois passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois, ending an almost 3 year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 15, 1953 in Rockford, Illinois to George and Ruth (Carver) Boen. He married Helen Laka on February 28, 1981 in Summit, Illinois. They had 35 wonderful years together celebrating not only their love but also their friendship. She survives along with their loving sons, Alexander and Andrew Boen both of Peoria, Illinois. He has one brother, Jonathan Boen of Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Chuck graduated from the University of Illinois in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with high honors. His career with Caterpillar Inc. lasted 40 years, retiring in October 2014. He held many positions from Design Engineer to his last position of Division Manager for Dealer Service Solutions. Chuck was known globally for being a “people” person. He also was someone who would actively bring people together even outside of Caterpillar.
He would do anything for his family. His love was evident in all he did. He could always make Helen laugh and was quite the pro at picking great jewelry. He was a hands on dad, who led by example. Whether it was Boy Scout camp, boating, or restoring his 1954 GMC pick-up truck, Chuck was always teaching his boys a new life skill. The three of them even went on the Power Tour together in 2015. Restoring cars was just one of Chuck’s passions. He also enjoyed house boating, wood working, hunting, fishing, and planning various parties and get-togethers. Even when he was in his second year of chemo last November, Chuck planned the renewal of his wedding vows with Helen AND Elvis in Las Vegas. He was quite the amazing man. If you knew him it was because of what he did. He impacted so many around him with his unending faith and hope. The Good Lord called him home too early for us. We will miss him for a long time to come.
Memorial Mass will be Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Peoria. Father Dennis Spohrer will officiate. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 from 4 PM until 7 PM at the Davison Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation, 111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 in Memory of Charles Boen, www.lustgarten.org/donate. You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com
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