Charles S. Scheck

Christopher, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Timothy are grieved to announce the passing of Charles S.

Scheck of Skokie, Illinois on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Lutheran General Hospital.

Born October 16, 1937 into the Springer family, infant Charles was adopted by Gus and Gladys Scheck

where he became the little brother of James. Charles would exemplify the best qualities of his parents

by becoming a family provider, a loyal friend, a superb conversationalist, and a servant to the people

and causes he believed in most. Charles developed a uniquely dry sense of humor, was gifted in finding

the funny in any situation, and shared his big smile generously.

A proud graduate of Steinmetz High School, Chuck’s friendship with “the gang” (Frank, Fred, and Wally)

would last a lifetime. Chuck continued his education earning his Bachelor degree in electrical

engineering from the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign and Master degrees from both the

University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign (City Planning) and Roosevelt University (Public

Administration). He valued education and prized the gaining of it throughout his life.

On a rainy summer day in 1962 Chuck offered a ride home to cute, auburn-headed, Wright Junior

College, sociology classmate, Kathi Thoss, who was getting drenched while waiting at the bus stop.

Their long courtship and eventual union in 1968 produced three children and took them around the

Midwest to Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Indianapolis, Indiana, before they found their

way back home to Chicagoland in 1977 where the proximity of extended family, longtime friends and

beloved neighbors provided the family with many jovial gatherings filled with love and laughter.

Chuck loyally served the residents of the Village of Morton Grove as its Community Development

Director for the next twenty-three years. Retiring in 2000, he was privileged to spend his last twenty

years relishing the peace of his comfy chair and actively pursuing the joys of his heart. The

embodiment of a lifelong learner and a prolific reader, Chuck enjoyed a variety of literary genres, from

the daily Chicago Tribune to historical non-fiction, Calvin and Hobbes and even Harry Potter. The hours

he spent preparing lessons and volunteering at Oakton Community College’s adult ESL program proved

to be thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful to him. His lifetime love of nature and model trains made

his volunteer time at the Chicago Botanic Garden in both plant production and the model railroad

exhibits a natural fit. He discovered an appreciation for yoga and the quiet introspection it requires,

gaining physical and mental benefits - as well as new friendships - from his classes. Embracing his

German heritage, it was a summer tradition to attend Milwaukee’s German Fest with the kids and

grandkids, eating and drinking, singing and dancing. He and Kathi had the opportunity to travel across

the Plains, Southwest US and even to Deutschland multiple times, always making new friends. A fan of

all things University of Illinois, Chuck delighted in visiting campus, listening to the band and taking in a

game at Memorial Stadium with Kathi, grandkids or the best of friends. A lover of music and the arts,

Chuck never missed one of his kids’ music concerts and frequently attended community music and

stage productions. It made him happy that each of his kids and grandkids played a musical instrument

and appreciated the arts. Not so fond of technology, he never owned a cell phone and could only “hunt

and peck” on a keyboard. He did eventually embrace the usefulness of the home computer, playing

online chess for hours at a time and marveling at how much easier taxes could be done using software.

A connoisseur of beer and wine, Chuck would be both humbled and honored to have one last glass

raised in celebration of his long, full, productive life and in acknowledgement of the positive impact he

made on those around him. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or make a donation to the Greater

Chicago Food Depository or PAWS Chicago Animal Shelter.

A private memorial service for invited family and friends will be held in the coming weeks.