Charles "Charlie" Samuel Spitz

Charles Spitz passed away peacefully on August 4, 2022 in Cape Coral, Florida, at the age of 102. Charlie was born in Richland County, Illinois, to Henry and Cecilia Spitz. He lived most of his life in Champaign, Illinois, where he met and married Coletta Spitz, his loving wife of 34 years. He later lived in Mahomet, Illinois, and most recently Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, Florida.

Charlie grew up on his family farm in southern Illinois, the 10th of 12 siblings. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade. The family survived the Great Depression by producing their own food and many of their necessities. At age 23, following the start of World War II, Charlie traveled north to Champaign County, Illinois, seeking employment. He worked for individual farmers, and in a converted defense factory, before securing a position as herdsman for the University of Illinois. He maintained that position until his retirement 35 years later. During this time he also ran a very successful lawn-care service, which he continued into his 90’s.

Charlie and Coletta were married in 1946 and had four sons. Charlie passed on his strong work ethic to his sons, all of whom worked with him in his lawn-care service during their school years. Charlie was active in the Knights of Columbus for 82 years and earned the rank of third degree. He enjoyed cooking on the grill for KC events, as well as for family get-togethers. He very much enjoyed Saturday night dances at the KC hall and was a talented and energetic dancer with a charming social demeanor. He was also an avid gardener, growing vegetables and lovely, pampered roses.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, his wife Coletta, second wife Marilyn, eight brothers, three sisters, and his daughter-in-law, Bernadine. He is survived by his sons Daniel; Thomas and his wife, Lenore; Randy and his wife, Christine; and Louis and his wife, Julia; as well as 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Charles will be held Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 501 W. State St, Mahomet, IL 61853, followed by a prayer service at 11:30 AM. A Luncheon will be held immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles' memory may be made to Cape Coral Animal Shelter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CoralRidgeFuneralHome.com for the Spitz family.