Mr. Charles "Chuck" J. Bednar

Mr. Charles J. “Chuck” Bednar Jr., 82 of Galesburg died September 18, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. at Heartland Healthcare Center.

A Galesburg native, he was born March 7, 1936 to Charles J. Sr. and Juanita (Kelly) Bednar. He married Marilyn Stief of Boyd, Montana on November 21, 1962 in Pasadena, California.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn A. Bednar of Galesburg, a daughter Melissa Bednar, grandsons Robert J. Bracken and Charles J. Bracken. A brother, Richard (Sandy) Bednar of Las Vegas, Nevada also survive along with a niece Kathy and her daughter Kinsley. Additional living paternal relatives include Jack (Donna) Ilko, and David (Evonne) Ilko.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Dorothy C. Bednar.

In his youth he was active as a Boy Scout, Troop 15, First Presbyterian Church, earning the rank of Eagle. A 1954 graduate of Galesburg Senior High School, Mr. Bednar graduated from the University of Illinois in 1959 with a BFA degree, School of Industrial Design. A member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, he was a lifetime member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. After receiving an ROTC Commission, his military service included eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain.

Chuck and his wife resided in Oak Park for over 46 years. He entered his design practice as Chuck Bednar Design, Inc. in Oak Park, Illinois in 1975. He and Marilyn returned to his family home in Galesburg in2009. Mr. Bednar was a member of The First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg and a long-time member of the Rotary Club in Oak Park and Galesburg.

An established member of the board of directors for the Ernest Hemingway Foundation in Oak Park, he was past president of the Civil War Round Table of Chicago and a board member of the Stephen A. Douglas Association. A member of the Abraham Lincoln Association, he became an honorary member of the Knox Lombard Fifty Year Club. He co-chaired the Galesburg Public Art Commission and served as president of the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association. The Illinois Museum Association recognized Chuck as “Volunteer of the Year” in 2009.

A student of American history, his special interests included his collections of U.S. Presidents, The Civil War and what he considered notable people in history.

Condolences are welcomed by member of his family. No Flowers are requested. Memorials may be designated to the Galesburg First Presbyterian Church or to the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association. Visitation will be Monday, September 24, 2018 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. with Rev. Shawn Smith officiating.  A private family burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

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