Charles P. Reitsch

Charles P. Reitsch, 89, of Loves Park passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018. Born on February 7, 1929 in Rockford to Henry and Frances Reitsch. A graduate of West High School where he was very active in ROTC and the swim team. Chuck attended the University of Illinois from 1947 to 1951 and graduated with a degree in Commerce and Architecture. He was a member of the varsity Swimming Team and won numerous Big Ten competition medals. He was also a proud member of the DEKE Fraternity and First Lieutenant in the Army ROTC. Chuck was a lifelong Illini fan and enjoyed following Illinois football and basketball games. After college Chuck proudly served from 1951 – 1953 in Korea as an Officer with the US Army. Chuck married Enrica Gianoli February 17, 1959 and had two children, Peter and Elisa. Chuck started his own business CP Reitsch Builders, as an architect and general contractor specializing in building custom designed homes. His unique and beautiful homes can be seen all around the Rockford area. Chuck also worked in the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Room as an EMT for many years and was very proud to help his community. One of the things Chuck loved most was to ski in the winter. He became a member of the National Ski Patrol in the 1970's and was a Crew Chief at Devil's Head in Baraboo, Wisconsin for over 50 years. He skied well into his 80’s and along with his wife Enrica, they traveled all over the world with the Madison Ski Club. Chuck built a cabin on the Wisconsin River, Castle Rock Flowage. He enjoyed spending his free time boating, fishing and relaxing at the lake with his family.  Chuck found great joy to be part of his grandsons' lives and cherished his time with Danny and Michael. He passed on his love of music, art, food and sports to the boys.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Enrica; son, Pete (Jeannie) Reitsch; grandsons, Daniel and Michael Reitsch; and daughter, Elisa (Mike) Chastaine. The family wishes to thank Kim Zamora and the whole staff at Lincolnshire in Loves Park, IL along with Transitions Hospice for all the special loving care they provided to Chuck and Enrica.

Join us for a memorial visitation at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park followed by a celebration of life and presentation of the color guard at 11:45 a.m.

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