Charles “Chuck” Loellke

CHARLES "CHUCK" LOELLKE

JERSEYVILLE  -   Charles Michael "Chuck" Loellke, 64, died Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Ever Care in Jerseyville.

He was born in Jerseyville, Illinois on September 28, 1960, the middle of three children born to Charles A. and Theresa (Roth) Loellke.

A lifelong resident of Jerseyville, Chuck graduated in 1978 from Jersey Community High School.   He soon began his working career, where he began at Bertman's Department Store and later at Jacoby Funeral Home, where he also was an EMT for their ambulance service.  For many years, he worked at Norman Brothers Barge Lines, beginning as a DeckHand, and then progressing up to First Mate, and eventually training as a Pilot.

In 1999, Chuck was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident which left him with a traumatic brain injury, resulting in blindness.  His passion for Harley Davidson's didn't end, as he was able to identify one being revved up as folks were riding through town.

He was a man of many interests and passions, none of which compared to the love he had for his two daughters, Natasha and Whitney, as well as his grandchildren, as he couldn't wait to hear about their school and sports activities and their achievements.   His granddog, Scruffy, wasn't excluded as well, as he enjoyed sneaking in a treat when he could.

Before his accident, Chuck enjoyed playing golf, and was an avid sportsman, and loved to deer hunt, and search for morel mushrooms.   He spent many hours appreciating good music, as well as listening to his favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals, and possessed a wide array of Cardinals memorabilia, especially bobbleheads.

Despite his setback in life, Chuck never lost his wit and sharp mind, which endeared him to many friends.  He will forever be remembered for his love for his family, and providing everyone with the true meaning of "blind faith".

Surviving are his mother, Theresa Loellke Snider of Jerseyville; his two daughters and a son in-law, Natasha and Matthew Cheek of Jerseyville and Whitney Loellke  and her companion, Daren Gilbert of Carrollton; three grandchildren, Evan and Hallie Cheek of Jerseyville and Lauren Gilbert of Carrollton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Tom Berry and Cindy and Mike Williamson all of Jerseyville; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Kelby and Josh Ellis of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and their children, Averie, Carson and Jacob; Uriah and Lindsay Berry of Charlotte, NC, and their children, Abigail and Sarah; Jeff and Missy Berry of Nixa, Mo., and their children, Shelby and Colten; and Jared Williamson and Jake Williamson both of Jerseyville; his aunts, Audrey Zinsser of St. Charles, Mo., and Marian Greene of Kane; cousins, Floyd Greene, Aune Schwartz, Ann Greenspan, Mark Zinsser; and his special friend, Elinda Loellke.

He is also survived by his step siblings and their spouses, Renee (Steve) Elliott, Brenda (Tom) Kelly, Denise (Rick) Bock, Bruce (Shelly) Snider, and many step nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step father, Wayne E. Snider.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday.  Father Ramesh Matta will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville.

Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.

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