Charles P. ("Chuck") Hammersmith, age 91, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Saturday, November 18, 2017, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Chuck was born on August 11, 1926 in Oak Park, IL to Ella and George Hammerschmidt. He grew up in Elmhurst, IL and had fond memories of his summers in Palisades Park in Covert, MI.

Chuck enlisted in the US Navy while a senior at York High School in Elmhurst, IL and left for training shortly after graduation, on his 18th birthday. As part of the greatest generation, he fought for his country in the South Pacific and Japan. After the war, he attended the University of Illinois on the GI Bill, and joined the family business, Elmhurst-Chicago Stone Company. He held various position at the company, including Sales, Vice President, President, and Board Chair. He was a member of the exalted "50+ year club," a measure of years of service to the company.

He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He and Louise, his wife of 36 years, enjoyed spending their winters at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. Throughout his life he enjoyed tennis and played regularly until the age of 85.  He was a fan of Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs and Blackhawks.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Chip Hammersmith, Steve (Don) Hammersmith, Ann Hammersmith, and Mike Hammersmith; six grandchildren, Laura (Jeff) Brown, Kim (Mike) Cassel, Charlie Bromann, Jill Bromann, Jessica (Mike) Korb and Chandon Hammersmith; and three great-grandchildren, Nolan and Connor Brown and Benjamin Cassel. Chuck loved his family and they adored him.Services will be privately held. Memorial gifts may be directed to the DuPage Foundation, Charles P. Hammersmith Memorial Fund https://dupagefoundation-org.presencehost.net/donate.html