Charles Jacobs Gantzer Jr.

Chuck (Charlie) was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He attended several colleges including Northern Illinois University, University of Colorado at Boulder and University of Illinois at Urbana. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving at the Army’s Maryland Chemical Center. After his discharge from the service he married Betty Reynolds and settled in the Rockford, Illinois area. He worked as a metallurgical engineer for several companies including Sundstrand Aerospace, General Electric and Sciaky Brothers. He was co-inventor for several patents ranging from gas cans for outboard motors to components of jet aircraft engines. He had an entrepreneurial and inventive spirit, and along these lines owned an art gallery and started several small engineering companies. His passions included flying, sailing, tinkering with ideas for inventions, and cooking for family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother John, his sister Bothella, and his brother-in-law Phillip Peterson. He is survived by lifetime friend and ex-wife, Betty Gantzer, sister-in-law Juanita Gantzer, children Charlie (Heather), Lorenzo (Ann), Liz (Patrick)Sireta and Lloyd, ten grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to your favorite charity in Charlie’s name. Cremation handled by Young’s Funeral Home in Tigard, Oregon. A private family service will be held at a later date.