Charles "Chuck" W. Stauber

Charles William Stauber ETCS (sw) MTS, USN Ret, died peacefully in his sleep on August 26, 2026. Survived by sister's Rebecca Stauber Briscoe and Barbra Stauber Watts. He left behind Linda (wife), children- Jenifer (Stauber) Eutsler, Kristopher, Kassandra, and Katherine along with 6 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, three beautiful dogs (Puddles Chewbacca (ShihApso), Chewie Kefka (ShihTzu) and Charlie Wonka (Malshi). He was preceded by his father Frank William Stauber, mother Jean Caroline (Christen) Stauber, sister Pamela Jean Stauber and three beloved pets Smokey Sephiroth (cat), Alvin Seymour (Shorkie) and Billee Caramel (Pomeranian).

After graduating Guilford HS in Rockford, he joined the United States Navy in 1970 and remained in until he was medically retired in 1992. He was stationed on the guided missile destroyer, USS Sampson DDG-10, submarine tender USS Hunley AS-31, guided missile cruiser USS Richmond Kelly Turner CG-20, destroyer USS John Hancock DD-981 as well as various shore commands. While stationed at Great Lakes, Illinois he was an instructor and taught electronics from basic through advance stages. Onboard ships he repaired communication, radar, navigation and satellite equipment.

He started as a seaman recruit and advanced to Senior Chief Electronic Technician (ETCS) paygrade E-8. He earned his (sw) pin which is for enlisted surface warfare specialist, became as Master Training Specialist (MTS). Awarded Battled Efficiency Medal twice, Good conduct medal with 4 bronze stars (for all time in service), National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon, Pistol Marksman Ribbon, and various letters of commendation.

He has gone swimming at some of the famous beaches on the Atlantic, Caribbean and Mediterranean costs. He has sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian oceans. The Caribbean, Mediterranean, Blac, Red, and North seas. He rode the cable cars in San Francisco, and sailed through the Suez Canal and the canals of Venice. Seen the Liberty bell, the Colosseum of Rome and the Acropolis in Athens. Was above the Arctic circle and saw the northern lights and been to Saint Peters for the noon blessing by the Pope. He has visited more than 32 countries.

Although being on a ship at sea is a rough duty with long deployments, 6 months at a shot, he enjoyed going to sea and wished he was still in the Navy despite having to leave his family behind. After the Navy, he worked for several years at Per Mar Security installing fire and burglar security systems until fully retiring from work.

Charles loved working with his hands, in the 1970's, he built his own 25-inch color television. Overhauled a small lawn mower engine as well as large 6 and 8 cylinder auto and automatic transmissions later before retirement. Charles enjoyed fixing electronic equipment, as well as machinery and woodworking. He played World of Warcraft continuously with his youngest daughters and enjoyed to play video games on the older Nintendo consoles.

There was so much more he wanted to do and see, but was unable to due to his medical condition. He enjoyed life, but was not afraid to die, figuring that he lived longer than he expected to because of the work he did.

Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102, US, on September 4, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102, US, on September 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm.