Charles F. Bessler

Herrin- Charles Frances Bessler, 45, of Herrin, passed away at 11:15 PM, Sunday, June 15, 2008 on Fathers Day after a long four year fight with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Battle scarred, brave and valiant, Charles left this world on a warm clear spring night at his home. Charles was born in Chicago, the son of the late Mary Ann (Oldani) Bessler. He married Carolyn Olson in Marion on May 25, 2002. She survives in Herrin. Mr. Bessler attended Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Chuck was the former superintendent of the Herrin City Park. Survivors include his wife- Carolyn (Olson) Bessler of Herrin, IL Son- Jason Bessler of Herrin, IL Sister and Brother-in-Law- Kathy and Robert Renier of Wheaton, IL Mother-In-Law- Judith Olson of Lombard, IL Aunt- Jamie and Myron Woolard of Rockville, MD Sister-In-Law- Charlene Olson of Glen Ellen, IL Sister-In-Law- Andrea and Steven Ranck of Henderson, NV Nephews- Alex and Todd Renier of Wheaton, IL Nieces- Elle Renier of Wheaton, IL Aaron and Jordan Ranck of Henderson, NV Cousins- Gregg Woolard and Scott and Susie Wollard Special friends include-Terry & Gayle Ambrosini - North Judson, IN William Bernie -Arlington Heights, IL Steve Brown -Warrenville, IL Joey Burkard - Villa Park, IL Chris & Kris Clabots & Family -Villa Park, Il Pam & Haley Clark -Glen Ellyn, IL Tom Collins -Lombard, IL Chelsea Cullium and Family -Herrin, IL Steve & Lisa Davey & Family - Lombard, IL Amy Fitch -Lombard, IL Ronald Gardner -Villa Park, Il John Gentile -Herrin, IL Karl King -Carterville, IL Scott McCree -Herrin, IL Greg & Jayne McCree and family -Herrin, IL Rob & Beckie Oxford & children -Herrin, IL Patrick & Julie Roeglin and family -Braidwood, IL Paul Simonek -Downers Grove, IL Kevin Fogarty -Glen Ellyn, IL Linda & Kenny Todd and family -Herrin, IL Charles was preceded in death by his mother- Mary Ann (Oldani) Bessler and his grandparents- James and Bertha Oldani. The family wishes to also give special thanks to SR Marcinna Heymann ASC and Monsignor Ken Schaefer - Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Alison Grant, Gayle McNary, and other volunteers & staff at the Hospice of Southern Illinois , Dr Workman & staff at Logan Primary Care, Russ and staff at Phils pharmacy in Energy Il, and Peggy and staff at the Herrin Hospital wound care center, for the extraordinary efforts and care they took to comfort Charles and his family during this difficult time. Additionally, Charless wife- Carolyn, would like to express special thanks to her employer - Hyatts Marion Reservation Center LLC for their support throughout the last four years. Charles was very adventuresome and loved the outdoors. Charles interests included fishing, hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, exploring caves and hunting. His wife recalls Prior to Chucks illness, there was never a day he didn't wake each morning with something to do or some trip to plan. Chuck s adventures begin as a teenager and his trips included, rafting the Salt Creek from Elmhurst to the Des Plaines river to Lockport (1979) and again from Elmhurst to Joliet (1980). Canoed the Fox River from St Charles to the Illinois River at Ottawa (1980). During 1983, Chuck discovered the Shawnee National Forest while visiting his Grandparents in Herrin IL, and Chuck and his friends began to explore and would make trips at least twice a year to the Shawnee National Forest until Chuck decided to move from the Chicago land area in 1996 to Southern Illinois. Chucks favorite areas in Southern Illinois included; Garden of the Gods, Pounds Hollow, Glen Jones Lake, Horseshoe Lake, One Horse Gap, Bell Smith Springs, Pine Hills, Dutchman Lake, Devils Kitchen lake, Rend Lake, Trial of Tears State Park, Crab Orchard Lake and Cedar Lake. Additionally, Charles other favorite trips included several trips backpacking in North Carolinas Appalachian Trial, Backpacking the Citco Creek Wilderness Area and Joyce Kilmer Old Growth forest in North Carolina, Snowmobiling at Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin, several white watering rafting trips in Northern Wisconsin on the Wolf River, several trips hiking and camping at the Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin, boating trips to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, several river tubing and canoeing trips at the Whitewater River in Indianas national and State parks, fishing the Gulf of Mexico with his bass boat, numerous trips at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois and other camping, biking, hiking trips throughout the Midwest. Charles most cherished accomplishment was his four year old Son, Jason. Charles was a wonderful father and husband and left his wife and young son with many wonderful memories. Charles took his son on many camping, fishing, and hiking trips. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 20, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the family and will be accepted at 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.