Charles “Charlie” Churchill Jr, 70, of Braidwood, IL., passed away on October 10. Born July 18, 1956, in Joliet, IL., to Charles Sr. and Rita Churchill.

Charlie loved to fish. He organized annual weekend camping and fishing trips to Lake Michigan with his son and buddies, a tradition they called “CC & The Buoys,” and he also enjoyed fly-in fishing trips to Canada. Charlie taught his beloved Pat most of her fishing tricks, and for each of the past 25 years they spent the same week at a resort in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Over the years they caught many fish and formed some very special friendships. They also enjoyed spending time in Florida, soaking up the sun by day and taking in the sunsets each evening. No Florida trip was complete without at least one day of fishing on a party boat.

He enjoyed all kinds of racing and especially loved traveling with his daughter to watch her race in her Ford Fairmont or 1983 Ford Ranger. When his granddaughters began racing, he proudly cheered them on as well and was always impressed by their talent.

Charlie treasured time with his grandchildren and was proud of every accomplishment. Whether cheering them on at sporting events, attending school programs, or simply sharing everyday moments, he took every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Charlie was a true MacGyver who loved figuring out how to build or fix just about anything, although procrastination sometimes kept his projects from being finished. Cars were the exception; for those, his son-in-law Joe was the go-to expert. He delighted in pulling pranks and telling jokes, even when the punchlines didn’t come out quite right. He often mixed-up lyrics or invented his own, and Pat especially loved hearing him sing in the shower. His favorite song was “Under the Boardwalk.”

Charlie was a shorts man through and through, mostly cargos. He hated wearing long pants and stretched shorts season from early spring until the dead of winter every chance he got.

Deeply loved, Charlie will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends. While he has traveled on to the next level, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. Our love for him will never fade.

Survived by the love of his life of 28 years, Pat Churchill; children, Charlie (Gabriella) Churchill III and Amanda “Mandy” (Joe) Saad; their mother, Robin Churchill; stepchildren, Katie (Carlos Gonzalez) McCormick and Maggie (Lenny) Hall; grandchildren, Paul (fiancée, Betty Lorentz) Centanni, William Churchill, Makenzie and Alyvia Saad, and Emanuel and Elijah Gonzalez; sister, Laurie (Randy) Strong; stepsiblings, John (Charlie) Davis, Jim Davis and Sandi (Gary) Heinzen; sister-in-law, Debbie Churchill; brothers-in-law, Raymond and Larry Clark; close friend, Glen Bernard; nephew, Tim McKanna; numerous other nieces, nephews and dear friends; and his loyal canine companions, Fred and Winter.

Preceded in death by his mother, Rita Churchill; father, Charles (Alice) Churchill Sr.; sister, Debbie Loeffler; brother, Mike Churchill; mother-in-law, Leah Clark; sister-in-law, Leanne McKanna; and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial gathering for Charles will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL. In keeping with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Casual dress is welcome. Sportswear is especially welcome.