Charles “Charlie” Wayne Witzel, 85, of Centralia, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024, at SLU Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born in Richview, Illinois on October 30, 1938, to Clarence Albert and Pearl Margaret (Sanders) Witzel.
On February 23, 1966, he married Neva Copple in Centralia and she survives.
In addition to his wife, Neva Witzel, of 57 years of marriage, he is also survived by his sons: Robert Witzel and wife Jodie of Centralia, Brian Witzel and wife Michelle of Mt. Vernon and Lesley Mahlandt and husband Jim of Centralia; nine grandchildren: Lindsey Coppler and husband James of Atlanta, Georgia, Erin Witzel and boyfriend Ethan Erickson of Centralia, Hannah Hoffman and husband Jordan Grandview, Missouri, Braden Mahlandt of Champaign, Spencer Witzel and fiancé Shelby Pigg of Central City, Alaina Mahlandt of Centralia and William Witzel of Centralia; five great-grandchildren: Trevor, Tripp, Aelin, Grayson and Margo, and as well as several nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Pearl Witzel; sisters: Doris Trail and Elizabeth McNeill and a brother, Richard Witzel.
Charlie served in the United States Army Reserves. He started his education in a one-room school during World War II. After falling behind in school, he was helped by a kind and generous teacher who later showed up at his High School graduation to express that she was so proud of him and his accomplishments. After graduating from Woodlawn High School, he attended McKendree College, where he played baseball, and Centralia Junior College. Charlie worked for over 30 years in the insurance business, was a member of the Optimist Club, and was involved in the Jefferson County Historical Society. Charlie was a member of Fouts Christian Church in Centralia. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Charlie loved his family dearly.
Graveside Services for Charles Witzel will be held Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12:30 pm at Boyd Cemetery in Boyd, IL. A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Charlie’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
