Charles T. Wilhelm

Charles was born January 13, 1929, in Peoria, IL, the son of Charles N. and Marie A. Sippel Wilhelm. He married Colleen M. Armstrong on September 29, 1951, in Peoria.

Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1950. He was employed as a manager with Illinois Bell until his retirement in 1989 after more than 40 years of service. Charles was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham, the Springfield Motor Boat Club, and the Telephone Pioneers. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing. Charles was a “resoundingly enthusiastic person looking only at the positive side of life.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tom Wilhelm; and grandson, Jeffrey Thomas.

Charles is survived by his wife, Colleen Wilhelm of Springfield; daughter, Annie (Bob) Ellis of Springfield, IL; daughter-in-law, Cathy Wilhelm of Springfield, IL; granddaughter, Ashley Wilhelm of Springfield, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be limited capacity. A graveside ceremony will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.