Charles White

Charles "Tip" White, age 79 of Virgil, IL, passed away Monday evening, August 16, 2004. Quietly battling congestive heart failure for some time, Charles died unexpectedly, but peacefully as he sat in his favorite chair. BORN/ CITY & STATE/ PARENTS He was born August 31, 1924, at home on the family farm near Virgil, the son of Edward and Susan (Schmal) White. Chuck attended S.S. Peter & Paul School and as a teenager was stricken with Polio and Asthma. Once told he would never walk, Chuck proved them wrong and not only succeeded at walking, but was drafted into WWII, served his country with the "greatest generation".Returning home, he began farming with his brother, Francis "Bud" White. The two of them continued farming for forty-nine years together. For thirty-seven of those years they also ran a milk route for Country’s Delight. In those days here were dairy farms on every country road and the White boys served them all from Hinckley to Hampshire, seven days a week. Through the years, Chuck also tended bar on Thursday nights at Jim Geisen’s Charcoal Inn and many week-ends at the old Bungalow with his brother-in-law, Bud Turk. MARRIAGE On Valentine’s Day, 1953, Charles was united in marriage to Susan Eileen Turk and they made their home near Keslinger and Francis roads. In 1960, they moved to the Zimmer farm on Welter Road where they lived until the fall of 1984 when they moved to the present family home in Virgil. Hard working, loving and devoted, theirs was a special marriage. Diary farming and trucking were tough, but Chuck loved it all. Disciplined and determined, he had a way of doing everything and everything had a place. Rows were well hoed, equipment was painted, and the farm was always neat. Still, he could make work be fun and could find humor in times of hardship. Though physically challenged from his youth and despite suffering a broken back in his farming career, Chuck never complained, he just worked a little harder. When at last it seemed retirement was near, Chuck and Susan planned travels together and began enjoying more time at Ft. Atkins, WI where they had purchased a get-away cabin with Jean and Tony Heyob. Tragically, their retirement years were lost when Susan died suddenly, two days before Christmas in 1994. In the years that followed, Chuck came to live with his daughter Linda, her husband Jay and their daughter, Amy. Though nothing could fill the void Susan left, Chuck did complete many of the travels they had planned. Together with Linda and her family, and with his son, Jeff, Chuck journeyed across the country and enjoyed great family vacations. At home, Linda spoiled her dad and he loved it. Per his demand: cookies for breakfast, ice cream for lunch and of course, a "well balanced" dinner at night. He passed untold hours playing cards and enjoying the company of his granddaughter, Amy with whom he collected miniature farm equipment. Theirs was a special bond that will last beyond this life.SURVIVORS – He is survived by two children: Linda (Jay) Seyller, and their daughter, Amy of Virgil, IL,Jeffrey White of Batavia;Four siblings: Francis "Bud" (Lorraine) White of Elburn Robert (Beverly) White of Palm Springs, CA, Arthur White and Leona Thompson, both of Waterman, IL;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends from far and wide.In addition, Chuck leaves the legacy of a life well lived and the memory of stories that will keep family and friends smiling for many years to come. PRECEDEDHe joins now his parents, His beloved wife, Susan, And one sister, Betty Moore, who preceded him in death. VISITATION – FUNERALVisitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Thursday, August 19, 2004 from 4pm to 9pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL and Friday morning before mass, from 9:30-10:30am. A liturgical wake service and sharing will conclude visitation on Thursday at 8:30pm. Deacon Jim Newhouse will officiate. His funeral mass will be held Friday, August 20, 2004 at 10:30am at St. Peter & Paul Church, Virgil. The Rev. Fr. Les Echevia will officiate and interment will follow at S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Virgil.MEMORIALSMemorials in his memory may be made to the Charles White Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Thursday, August 19, 2004 from 4pm to 9pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL and Friday morning before mass, from 9:30-10:30am. A liturgical wake service and sharing will conclude visitation on Thursday at 8:30pm. Deacon Jim Newhouse will officiate.

Interment will follow at S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Virgil.