Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce Street, Elburn, IL (2025)

10/30/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
LARRY JEROME

Larry Jerome, age 79, of Minier, IL, passed away on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of memories for his family and friends to treasure.
He was born August 5, 1946, in Kirksville, IL, to proud parents, Wayne and Daisy Jerome.
Larry grew up in Kirksville, IL and attended local schools. He graduated from Kirksville High School.
Larry was lucky in love three times, the last of which was when he met Chris Sexton. Their love story brought them to the altar on March 14, 2005. They began their new life in Joliet, IL before moving south to Minier, IL, where Chris found the perfect house to fill with love and memories.
Larry worked in manufacturing for many years, most recently for Johns Manville.
Larry was a man who kept his cards close to his chest. He preferred his hearth and home and the company of his loving wife Chris, as well as a select number of neighbors. A man unto himself, Larry walked a path that only he could see and was content with what he had, finding a peace that was as unique as the man himself.
He leaves his loving wife of 20 years, Chris Jerome; two daughters: Joy and Kristina; two granddaughters: Megen and Hannah; three sisters: Zelda, Karen and Diane; several nieces, nephews and a close family of friends.
He now joins his parents, Wayne and Daisy, who preceded him in death.
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/30/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
Robert "Bob" Mathews

Robert “Bob” Mathews, age 73, of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, in the early hours of Friday, October 17, 2025.
He was born May 17, 1952, in Aurora, IL, to proud and loving parents, Jess and Josephine Mathews.
Bob grew up in Warrenville until he was 10 years old before the family moved to Sugar Grove, where he attended local schools. He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1970.

Following graduation, Bob enlisted into the United States Army and served his country faithfully in Germany. While there, when he wasn’t elbow deep in grease and parts while working in the motor pool, Bob enjoyed all the sights and sounds of Germany. He loved it so much he didn’t really want to leave but upon his honorable discharge in February of 1973, Bob returned to civilian life in Sugar Grove. He was a welder for Midwest Contractors for a time before working for Wen Products. Bob also owned and operated his own HVAC business after studying at Waubonsee Community College. West Aurora School District and Kane County Government also employed him to keep everything in tip top shape. In recent years, Bob drove thousands of miles as an over-the-road truck driver.
Bob met the love of his life through a friend while on a motorcycle trip. Even while Sue Chojnacki kept her eyes on the road as they got into the wind, her mind strayed often to the man on the Honda 750. They roared across the countryside, eventually finding their way down the aisle on July 31, 1982. They began their new life together in the same home he grew up in and began raising a family. They were blessed with two children, Brandon and Erin, who made the family complete.
Bob was a proud member of the Sugar Grove American Legion when his kids were younger, and marched as part of the color guard in the annual Memorial Day parades in Kaneville, IL.
Bob was not one to sit still for any amount of time. Idle hands were the devils playground, so you would often find him in the garden, cultivating more weeds than tomato plants, but he did his level best. He was an outdoorsman with a keen eye and careful aim while participating in shooting sports. Bob always felt his best surrounded by mother nature where he hunted and fished to his hearts content. He also brought his children along to pass along all his hard won knowledge. Bob coached his children’s sports whenever he could and also knew how to referee on the wrestling mat at Kaneland. Motorsports made his heart beat louder than any exhaust, following motorcycle races at the annual Springfield Mile and the Peoria TT. Rocky’s Dojo was a home away from home for a time where he found a snap and rhythm of punches, kicks and blocks that echoed across the room.
He now leaves his two children: Brandon (Terri) Mathews and their children: Josephine and Charlie and Erin (Steve) Hill and their children: Kolton and Olivia; three siblings: Retha Borgfeldt, Mary Ann Rees and Jess Jr. “Poncho” (Kathy) Mathews; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.
He now joins his parents, Jess and Josephine Mathews; his wife, Sue Mathews; two brothers-in-law: Fred Borgfeldt and Spence Rees, who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, with a memorial service to follow, at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL. Private family burial will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bob’s name. Checks may be made to the “Robert Mathews Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/22/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
NICOLA ANN SAFFORD

Nicola “Ann” Safford, age 80, of Geneva, passed into eternity lifted by the love of her family, Thursday, October 16, 2025.

She was born June 6, 1945 in Warrensburg, Missouri, to proud and loving parents, John and Eleanor Deardorff.

Nicki’s early life started in Kansas City until her father found a new job in New Jersey. After making their home near the beaches of the Atlantic for five years, the family traded them in for the shores of Lake Michigan, settling in the southern suburb of Chicago, Palos Heights.

Nicki attended the local schools of Palos Heights and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School before extending her education at Knox College in 1963. An independent woman, Nicki chose to use her middle name, Ann, in college while she pursued a passion for the Civil War and its impact on the nation’s history. One highlight was being chosen for the Republican Intern program, spending a summer on Capitol Hill serving her district’s Congressman. Graduation day came in 1967, after which she took a job in the auditing department of Prudential Insurance Company in Chicago.

While working in Chicago, Ann caught the eye of George Safford. A working relationship blossomed into marriage in 1968. They began their new life together in an apartment on Lake Shore Drive but moved to Wheaton, IL, where they welcomed their daughter Elizabeth in 1971. Soon after, Ann and George rehabbed their old home for another generation of family life. They were blessed with a son, John, in 1974, making memories and filling the home with love and laughter for 23 years. Ann and George would eventually take different paths in their lives, and Ann advanced her career finding value and success as an executive managing health care claims.

Ann met and fell in love with Howard Huneke, marrying him in 1995. Their blended family enriched a love story that would last 30 years and find Ann working as a Director for Caremark, while Howard formed his own successful re-insurance company. Ann and Howard enjoyed the environs of Kildeer, IL for several years before retirement brought them to Geneva to be closer to their kids and grandkids. They shared a love of travel, enjoying countless cruises taking them to amazing locales around the world, as well exploring all 50 states of the U.S. Grief came to call in March of 2025 and too soon after Howard’s passing, Ann succumbed to pancreatic cancer 7 months later.

Ann kept busy as a lover of music, literature, nature and travel. Like her mother, Ann was a long-standing and very active member of the PEO Sisterhood. She was also an avid player in multiple Mah Jongg groups.

Ann was blessed with a determination and work ethic that brought her many connections and colleagues who no doubt found a friend in Ann. No matter where she lived, Ann found community and strove to support it any way she could. But her achievements paled in comparison to the family that cherished her spirit and celebrated a love for one another that was as deep as it was abiding. The marks she left in the lives of all she knew and loved were indelible and long lasting, ensuring her memory will live long and never be forgotten.

She leaves a loving family that includes daughter Elizabeth (Dan) Drozdik and son John (Eduenis) Safford; three stepchildren: Jennifer Huneke, Michael Huneke and Ryan (Melissa) Huneke; 8 grandchildren: Lindsay, Kira, Michael, Mikayla, Marshal, Riley, Jax and Jace; one brother Bruce (Kathy) Deardorff; niece Sarah and nephew Phil and their families, along with a large community of friends who will never forget her.

Ann now joins her parents, John and Eleanor Deardorff, cherished aunt and uncle Anne and Hal Davis, and beloved husband Howard Huneke, who preceded her in death.

A private family celebration of Ann’s life will be held following cremation at a later date.
MEMORIAL

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to PEO International at peointernational.org. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/20/2025

Life Story and Service information for
LARRY JEROME

Larry Jerome, age 79, of Minier, IL, formerly of , passed away on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of memories for his family and friends to treasure.

He was born August 5, 1946, in Kirksville, IL, to proud parents, Wayne ad Daisy Jerome.

Larry grew up in Kirksville, IL and attended local schools. He graduated from Kirksville High School.

Larry was lucky in love three times, the last of which was when he met Chris Sexton. Their love story brought them to the altar on March 14, 2005. They began their new life in Joliet, IL before moving south to Minier, IL, where Chris found the perfect house to fill with love and memories.

Larry worked in manufacturing for many years, most recently for Johns Manville.

Larry was a man who kept his cards close to his chest. He preferred his hearth and home and the company of his loving wife Chris, as well as a select number of neighbors. A man unto himself, Larry walked a path that only he could see and was content with what he had, finding a peace that was as unique as the man himself.

He leaves his loving wife of 20 years, Chris Jerome; two daughters: Joy and Kristina; two granddaughters: Megen and Hannah; three sisters: Zelda, Karen and Diane; several nieces, nephews and a close family of friends.

He now joins his parents, Wayne and Daisy, who preceded him in death.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/16/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
ROSEMARY MILLER

Rosemary Miller, age 97, passed away and entered through the gates of Heaven full of unwavering faith, Sunday, October 12, 2025.

She was born April 17, 1928, in La Crosse, WI, to loving parents, Eugene and Rose Fuchs. She had a remarkable life.

Rosemary began her life journey as an only child in La Crosse, Wisconsin in her grandfather’s home that overlooked the Mississippi River. A close relationship with the river and nature was a major focus of her life. She was surrounded by a loving extended family of aunts and uncles who shared their life experiences with her, encouraging her to develop a personality that valued education, self-confidence, care for others and willingness to explore life.

Rosemary’s early life values were formed by her faith at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and her education at St. Wenceslaus elementary school. After graduating from Aquinas High School, she attended a women’s college, Marycrest, in Iowa. Finding that she was more inclined to pursue a traditional vocational school to study business, she transferred to a business school. Showing her intellectual vigor, she finally committed herself to a career in the medical profession, graduating from St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse. After her graduation, she showed her independence and desire to expand her life horizon by traveling to California, with fellow graduates, to work at area hospitals in Santa Ana and live near the Pacific Ocean. Frequent visits to the ocean and national parks broadened her world view and appreciation of nature.

Rosemary’s courtship and eventual marriage to her husband, Ed Miller, has elements of a Hollywood classic “boy meets girl next door.” Rosemary’s parents had purchased a cottage on the shores of the Mississippi River. As fate would have it, Ed Miller’s parents owned the cottage that was next door. Their initial attraction was enduring as they enjoyed fishing and swimming in the river. A lengthy separation when Ed joined the Navy and was stationed in China did not dim their relationship, sustained by his letters, which Rosemary treasured her entire life.

On October 23, 1954, Rosemary and Ed exchanged their vows for a lifetime commitment. They shared their love with their five children who enriched their lives. The family was required to move frequently because of Ed’s employment as a Chief Train Dispatcher for the Burlington Northern Railroad. The Miller clan eventually settled in Elburn, Illinois, on a permanent basis, where Rosemary and Ed pooled their resources to have a home designed and built to reflect their dream space to raise their children.

As Ed’s job with the railroad took them to many cities in the Midwest, Rosemary would take a variety of nursing jobs, working nights and weekends to support their family. She was able to step away from her nursing career for several years to focus on raising her children before returning to her beloved profession. She would eventually find a position in a small Community Hospital in Geneva, later to become Delnor-Community Hospital. She worked days as a medical-surgical nurse. Because Ed’s job required him to work nights, life was not easy, but Rosemary and Ed were committed to sustain the family. She was a loving and caring nurse to her patients and a dedicated mentor to younger nurses who worked with her. She continued working as a medical-surgical nurse through her retirement in 1998 from Delnor Hospital. As a testament to her professionalism, doctors and former patients fondly recall her years after her retirement.

In retirement, Rosemary and Ed remained active in the community. They attended mass at St. Gall’s, enjoyed swimming, traveling, playing cards with friends and socializing outside the home. Rosemary was active in her local Red Hatter group and enjoyed taking friends to various functions and events, always happy to contribute her personality and life experiences to the festivities.

Because Rosemary and Ed had a close relationship to nature, they and their children always looked forward to summer campouts on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, WI. They were thrilled to welcome their grandchildren into their lives and were devoted to being active in their school and athletic activities and were always willing to help out as needed. The grandchildren were the beneficiaries of Rosemary and Ed’s life experiences and guidance as they faced their challenges.

Rosemary and Ed celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before Ed’s death in January, 2005. Ed’s passing left Rosemary living alone in their Elburn home for the first time. She continued her active social life and stayed close to their many friends. She continued to spend time with her grandchildren, happy to attend baseball games and school functions, and especially dressing up to take them trick-or-treating for Halloween.

In her later years, Rosemary would move into a senior living community, Fox Knoll Village in Aurora, IL. There she would stay through the remaining decade of her life, enjoying many activities and becoming a resident beloved by her care team. She would end her life journey under hospice care, lovingly supported by her children and grandchildren who were with her on her final day, to acknowledge a long life, well lived, with gratitude and love. She was sustained throughout her life by her faith in eternal peace.

Rosemary lives on in her impressive family unit. She now leaves her 5 children: Mary Beth (Mark) Lies, David (Grant) Miller, Jon (Pam) Miller, Sue (John) Sheridan, and Joel Miller; 6 grandchildren: Michael (Brittany) Lies, Alyssa (Bryce Peters) Lies, Brian (Maria Browne) Beck, Ben Miller, Daniel Miller and Hannah Miller; 3 great grandchildren: Emilia Lies, Avery Lies and Olivia Peters.

Rosemary now joins her husband, Edwin Miller, her parents, Eugene and Rose Fuchs, and many beloved aunts and uncles who preceded her in death

Visitation will be on Saturday October 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

There will be a mass to celebrate Rosemary's faith on October 25, at 12:00PM at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd. Elburn, IL.
Following cremation, there will be a private family burial in La Cross, WI.

10/10/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
EVERLEY ROSE VAN BOGAERT

With deep sorrow, our family announces the sudden passing of Everley Rose Van Bogaert. Everley was born on Monday, September 29, 2025, filling her parents arms and hearts with a love they could have only dreamt of. Sadly, she passed on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to enter into her Heavenly Father's arms, taking with her a part of her parents' hearts that will ache for her until they meet again.

Everley filled our hearts with immeasurable love and touched our lives in ways words can hardly express. She is deeply loved and will always be remembered by her parents, Karla MacKnight and Jacob Van Bogaert, and by all those who hold her close in their hearts.

A private family service will be held to honor Everley’s life. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities in her memory.

“Everley’s tiny hands left the biggest prints on our hearts.”

10/06/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
BILLY J. MCNAIR

Billy McNair, 89, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025. She was born in Evansville, Indiana on January 25, 1936, to parents, Melvin and Ruth McNair.

Billy grew up in Fort Branch, Indiana alongside her twin sister Lari and her two brothers, Mike and Don. Billy and Lari were inseparable from the very start, they were each other’s built in best friend. Throughout their life they remained tethered to one another. The two graduated from Fort Branch High School, class of 1954.

Following their dreams of becoming teachers, Billy and Lari attended Oakland City College where they both received bachelor's degrees in education. They applied and were hired at Parkview Elementary School in Carpentersville, Illinois. Billy relished her time spent teaching and loved enriching the minds of the young children she taught. Their imaginations and desire to learn lit Billy up and motivated her lesson planning. After 27 years, Billy would retire from teaching, but still chose to continue working, shifting to the food service sector. She worked in various kitchens from McDonald’s to a Nursing Home, eventually retiring for good at the age of 62.

Billy loved a rousing game of Bingo and often played while living at Heritage Woods. Her sister of course was right there with her; her apartment was right across from Billy’s. Billy built a tight nit group of close friends while living at Heritage Woods. Her friends helped keep her busy and moving, staying young well into her eighties. She loved to read and had a large library of books in her apartment, she especially enjoyed anything surrounding American History and Biographies. She was always in the middle of reading something. Billy and Lari both were avid knitters and proudly knit lap blankets for the veterans. Billy and Lari were the two oldest residents at Heritage Woods, but you would never know it by their active lifestyles. A couple of times a year Billy would always travel with family back to Fort Branch to visit with her parents. Billy was always smiling and was the light of her family and friends’ lives and they will surely miss her bright and positive presence.

Billy is survived by her sister, Lari; her nephew Tom (Kim Dierking)Israel; her niece Laura (Ed) Kantor nee’ Israel; her great nieces and nephews: Kimberly Israel, Ericka Kantor, Emmett Kantor, Nicholas Kantor, and Gretchen Kantor; and a whole community of friends.

Billy is reunited with her parents, Melvin and Ruth McNair; her brothers: Don McNair and Mike McNair; her beloved nephew, Don Israel; her niece Cynthia Israel; and her sister-in-law Rita McNair who all preceded her in death.

Services for will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital via the following link https://www.stjude.org in Billy’s memory. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/02/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
NICHOLAS K. CARTER

Nicholas K. Carter, 76, of Elburn, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 29, 2025, in his family home. He was born in Beaumont, Texas on November 4, 1948, to parents, Thomas and Barbara Carter.

Nick spent the majority of his youth in Rockford, Illinois where he attended local schools. He prided himself on his academic success, especially while attending Rockford East High School where he excelled among his fellow classmates. He graduated at the top of his class in 1966. He continued his educational prowess attending Northern Illinois University, where his focus was divided between business and information technology. Nick was enthralled by technology and the development of the computer. He wanted to know everything he could about the growing field and dove headfirst into what would become a lifelong fascination. At the completion of his studies at Northern Illinois University, Nick earned his bachelor’s degree of science in mathematics in 1970. He continued onto graduate school and acquired his MBA in 1972.

Nick would meet the love of his life, Lynne Kittleson, while they were both working at Highlander Foods in Rockford. They would begin dating in 1967 after Lynne graduated from high school. They were married on August 29, 1970, at Court Street Methodist Church in Rockford, Illinois. A couple of years into their marriage they started their family when their son Ryan was born in 1972. Four years later in 1976 they would welcome their second son, Trey, and their family was complete.

Nick spent the majority of his work life at Arthur Anderson working as a project manager in the IT department. He would remain with them for 25 years only moving on after the business closed its doors. His next venture was working as an IT consultant for which he would take on various roles for numerous locations all around the Chicagoland area. His consulting work even brought him and his family to France for three months. Nick loved his career working with technology so much that he maintained active employment in the field all the way up until 2017 when he finally retired at the age of 69.

Nick was an extremely active member of the Elburn Lions Club for 40 plus years. Throughout his retirement, he used his knowledge of technology to help with several Lions Club projects. He was president of the club for a year and received several awards including being bestowed the great honor of receiving the Melvin Jones award twice throughout his many years with the club. With the boundless hours Nick dedicated to the club, he found several lifelong friends among his comrades and fellow club members. One thing is for certain, countless Elburn Lions Club members will surely miss Nick’s loyal and passionate presence.

Nick lived to work. He was handy and was always available to help any family member or friend who needed it. He loved to be helpful in any way he could. His hands never sat idle for long and he threw himself into every project he took on. He was an unwavering family man and a great friend to have by your side. He was elated to become a grandfather and showered his granddaughter Abi with all of his love and time, never missing a single one of her volleyball games. His family and friends will always remember him for his helpful and selfless nature.

Nick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynne Carter; his sons: Ryan Carter and Trey (Andrea) Carter; his granddaughter, Abigail Carter; and his brothers: Scott (Debbie) Carter and Tim (Linda) Carter; his beloved dog, Libby, and a whole community of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Barbara Carter.

An open house to celebrate Nick's life will be held at Elburn Lions Park, 500 Filmore St. Elburn, IL on November 8, 12:00PM to 4:00PM hosted by his family.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Elburn Lions Club in Nick’s memory. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

10/02/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
NORMA J. McMENAMIN

Norma J. McMenamin, 91, of South Elgin, Illinois and longtime resident of Elburn, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Forest View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Itasca, Illinois. She was born in Lincoln, Illinois on August 1, 1934, to parents Arthur and Grace Foster.

Norma grew up in Elburn as the middle child among her two sisters, Barbara and Gloria. She attended local schools, graduating from Elburn High School, class of 1951.

After graduating from high school, Norma would work as an obstetrics nurse’s aide for 20 years. Working in the medical field was a befitting role for her. Caring for the women that came through the office over the many years built her a reputation for being a natural caretaker. It was her work with those patients that led her to attend nursing school at Elgin Community College from which she would graduate with her nursing degree at the age of 40.
While living in Elburn, Norma met Eugene McMenamin who also resided in town. The two would start dating and after he returned from serving in the Army, Eugene proposed to Norma and with her heart beholden to him she gladly accepted his proposal. The two were married on February 22, 1952, in DeKalb, Illinois. A little over a year after their wedding they would welcome their daughter, Constance. Nine years later they would welcome their son, Jeff, and with his birth their family was complete.

Throughout Norma’s decades long career working with hundreds of patients, She always believed that nursing was a natural and deep expression of her devout Catholic faith. She truly felt that being a nurse was her destiny. The bulk of her years in nursing were spent tending to countless patients at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin., Illinois. After 24 years working as a registered nurse, Norma retired in the year 2000.

Norma was a long-time member of two Catholic churches, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Laurence Catholic Church, which are both located in Elgin, Illinois. Norma’s faith in God was unwavering. At a young age she welcomed God into her heart and in doing so she placed her life in his protective hands. She knew that with God by her side, none of life’s problems were insurmountable. As the end of her earthly journey drew closer, Norma knew in only a matter of time she would finally come face-to-face with her creator.

Norma lived life with a smile on her face. She was a nurturer and shared her gift of compassion with her family and friends. She was quick witted whether it was a compliment or otherwise. She loved animals and cared especially for her dogs. Her family and friends will miss her presence and will cherish their many precious memories of a dear, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Norma is survived by her son, Jeff (Susan) McMenamin; her Great-grandchildren: Torie Jo Imrie and Griffin Neal Imrie; her sisters: Barbara Wittry of Colorado and Gloria Perkins of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Grace Foster; and her daughter, Constance McMenamin.

Services are being held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Norma’s memory to Forest View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at 535 S Elm St, Itasca, IL 60143 or to Anderson Humane via the following link, https://ahconnects.org/. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

09/25/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
CHARLES "Chuck" POUST

Charles Albert Poust, known affectionately as Chuck, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1941, to Francis and Emily Poust, Chuck was the eldest of six children and spent his formative years on a farm in eastern Pennsylvania. He graduated from Northwestern High School in New Tripoli, PA, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois in 1963.

While attending Blackburn, Chuck met the love of his life, Sandra Jean. They married in 1962 and built a life together rooted in love, laughter, and family. After settling in Illinois, Chuck and Sandy raised their children and became deeply involved in their community.

Chuck’s professional journey was as diverse and creative as he was. He began as a teacher in Port Washington, NY, and later worked as a graphic designer for Georgia Pacific in Elk Grove Village, IL. He held managerial roles at Doumak, Inc. and Bingaman Metal Spinning, and eventually became a successful entrepreneur, owning Valley West Sandblasting & Painting, Frame Shop & More in Elburn, IL, and Windjammer Gallery in Coupeville, WA.

In the early 1990s, Chuck and Sandy relocated to Coupeville, Washington, embracing the charm and tranquility of Whidbey Island. There, they continued their creative pursuits and opened Windjammer Gallery, a reflection of Chuck’s artistic spirit and entrepreneurial drive. The move marked a new chapter filled with coastal beauty, community engagement, and cherished memories.

Chuck was a dedicated community member, serving as a volunteer fireman, Scout Master for Troop 7, a member of Elburn’s Lion Club, and sat on the Elburn Village Board. His commitment to service reflected his generous spirit and deep care for others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Poust; sons Brian Poust & Nick Wyatt, Brad Poust & Mercedes Dahlquist, and Kevin Poust; grandchildren Austin Poust, Chandler Poust, Matheu Poust, and Jessica (Poust) Swenson; great-granddaughter Addison Swenson; and siblings Francis (Poust) Goldschmidt, Jay Peter Poust, and Pamela Poust. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. To many, Chuck was more than a neighbor or friend—he was a father figure whose presence brought comfort, guidance, and unwavering support.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James and Edward.

Chuck will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of British television, and his voracious appetite for reading. He was a talented cook and baker, famous for his homemade bread. A true McGyver, Chuck could fix anything with whatever was at hand. Chuck was an avid traveler, having visited five continents and multiple countries. He loved wintering in Palm Springs between sojourns. He was diplomatic, earnest, loyal, and above all, devoted to his family — they were his world.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at Lion’s Park in Elburn on October 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Blackburn College, in Chuck’s name at https://blackburn.edu/give/make-a-gift If anyone would like to share photos for the celebration of life, please e-mail them to poust.austin@gmail.com.

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