Charles Tinker Hufnagel

Charles T. Hufnagel, age 85, of Oquawka, passed away peacefully at 12:07 pm Thursday November 12, 2020 at the Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Galesburg, where he had been a hospice patient since March 2019. Charles was born June 4, 1932 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the son of Charles and Ivah Tinker Hufnagel. He was raised in and attended elementary schools in DesPlaines, Illinois. He attended high school at St. Procopius Academy in Lisle, Illinois. While at St. Procopius, he participated in competitive sports, earning varsity letters in basketball and baseball. After graduating from high school in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) with overseas assignments at the Thule AFB in Greenland and on Guam in the Marianas Islands. After his discharge in 1955 he attended Loyola University in Chicago, on the G I Bill before entering the private workforce. Tinker then worked the rest of his life in building maintenance with suburban school districts. Lastly he worked with one of the last surviving K Mart stores in DesPlaines, IL. Charles or "Charlie" as he was often called, was happy-go-lucky type with an engaging personality, always ready to strike up a conversation with friend or strangers alike. He was a life long reader of books, primarily political history and current affairs. He was a student of public affairs and voracious consumer of the news as contained in newspapers and news magazines. He was an avid sports fan with an encyclopedia knowledge of sports minutiae, especially about his beloved Chicago White Sox. He also was a cat lover who always enjoyed their companionship. Charles was a member of the Catholic faith and always looked to his faith for solace. He is survived by his brother, Tom Chapin Hufnagel of Oquawka, Illinois. He is preceded in his death by his parents, and a younger brother David. His presence will be forever missed.

Cremation was accorded and a private family interment of his ashes is being planned on his mother, Iva's birthday. Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, is in charge of his care. Memorial funds are being established for either, Henderson County Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association.and may be mailed to 1002 West Calhoun in Oquawka, Illinois 61469