Dr. Charles (Chick) M. Sell died May 5th, 2024 in Libertyville, IL, leaving behind his wife, Virginia (Ginger) Ruth Sell, of 70 years. Charles was not only a loving husband, he was also a loving father of four children: Chuck (Cheryl) Sell, Larry (Joni) Sell, Howie (Laura) Sell, and Becky (Wayne) Sudrick. This led to his eight grandchildren: Mandy (Stephen) Love, Laura (Curtis) Borchardt, Charlie (Marie) Sell, Timothy Sell, Daniel Sell, Deanna (Chase) Sell, Robert (Melissa) Sell, and Christopher Sell. This produced Chick's dearly beloved great-grandchildren: Stephen, Elias, Jade, and Simeon Love; Hailey, Mason, and Leah Borchardt; Grant and Hannah Sell; and another one arriving in August. Charles loved his family dearly but it was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him many proud moments and much joy in his later years. In their free time, Charles and Virginia enjoyed camping in their RV, traveling, reading, and watching the Chicago Bears lose and the Chicago Cubs win.
Charles was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he worked in the steel mills as a teenager. While singing in a gospel quartet that performed in the Johnstown area, he met a very special woman, Virginia Moore. On June 7th, 1953, Charles and Virginia were married. Together they decided to dedicate their lives to Christ. He then attended University of Pittsburgh, where he got his BA in Religion.
His career in Christian ministry started as a pastor in Pennsylvania. Charles and Virginia then moved to Texas where he attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his Masters in Christian Education followed by his Doctorate in Theology. In 1967, he moved his wife and young family of four children to the Philippines as a missionary and cofounded the Asian Theological Seminary in Manila, which is still thriving today. They returned to the United States in 1971 where Dr. Sell became a Professor of Christian Education at Trinity Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, teaching Family Ministry until his retirement. Through these years Charles published eleven books, including Family Ministry, Transitions through Adult Life, Spiritual Intimacy for Couples (with his wife Virginia), Power Dads, and Unfinished Business: Helping Adult Children Resolve Their Past. Charles and Virginia spoke at marriage conferences throughout the United States and beyond, including Korea and England. After retiring from full-time teaching, he continued to publish articles and work as a professor emeritus at Trinity into his eighties. He was influential in the lives of many throughout his ministry.
The family hopes people will share fond memories and pictures under Charles's obituary on the Marsh Funeral Home website www.marshfuneralhome.com . These will then be printed in book form for his wife and family to cherish.
The funeral will be private.
Cards can be sent to Virginia Sell C/O Chuck Sell 28116 West Maple Avenue, Wauconda, IL 60084.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2065 Half Day Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015 or at www.tiu.edu/giving
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