Charles Carmichael

Charles “Chuck” Carmichael, 83, of St. Joseph, Illinois passed away on July 20th, 2021 after a long battle with both Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was surrounded by loved ones at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center when he passed. Chuck was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was born on October 12th, 1937 to parents Morris and Gertrude Carmichael (nee Heinrich) in Huntington, Indiana.


            Chuck married Sharan Carmichael (nee Rincker) on April 28th, 1968 in Strasburg, Illinois. They were married for 53 years before he passed. He is survived by his wife Sharan, their three children, Steven Carmichael (Molly) of Ballwin, MO, Cathy Carmichael (Jason Schiedemeyer) of Naperville, IL, and Carla Marshall (Douglas) of Waterloo, IL; his seven grandchildren, Madison Kempen, Drew and Brady Marshall, Grace and Daniel Carmichael, and Alexander and Nicholas Sherrow; and Carter and Kate Schiedemeyer, whom he adored. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Mildred Rincker and in-laws Frank and Belva Rincker, Deanna and Tony Uphoff, Linda and William Orr, Wanda and Roger Kessler, Julie and John Bishop, and Debbie and Geo Glasscock in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Morris and Gertrude Carmichael and father-in-law Ivan Rincker.


            Chuck served in the United States Navy where he was commissioned out of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After serving, Chuck attended Purdue University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management in 1963. During this time, he was a member of the Purdue University band and played the string bass. After college, he worked for Dun and Bradstreet for 37 years. After his retirement, Chuck was employed at Bridgestone-Firestone until 2001. While living in St. Joseph, he was a member of the American Legion Post 334, Jaycee’s Organization, and a councilmember at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.


            Chuck was a lifelong sports fanatic. His favorite teams included his alma mater Purdue University and The University of Illinois Fighting Illini, where he and Sharan held season tickets during football season for many years. They also attended Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field and traveled frequently to watch the Cubs spring training in Arizona. Chuck loved to travel and spent as much time as possible with his family and friends in his favorite places Branson, MO and Central Florida. In addition, he loved to read and play his favorite games including Hand and Foot, Golf, Dominos, Euchre, and Canasta, where he generally crushed the competition. 


            Those who knew Chuck knew him as a selfless, intelligent, humorous, and outgoing individual. He will be deeply missed by everyone he touched during his life.


            His family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and Synergy Home Care who helped make his last several months that much better.

            All services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located at 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph, Illinois 61873. The visitation is scheduled for Monday evening, July 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. There will also be a viewing at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 27th followed by the funeral services at 10:30 am. Graveside services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 P.M. at Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.Freesefh.com


 In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Parkinson’s Foundation 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL  33131 or online at parkinson.org and/or to Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL  60601. Memorials may also be made to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.

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