Charles J. Karolek, "Chuck", a resident of Wheaton, Illinois for 58 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.  He was born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Alvin & Veronica Karolek on March 29, 1931.

Charles grew up in Cudahay, WI attending the local parochial schools and graduated from St. John Cathedral High School in 1948 and attended Marquette University.  In 1951 he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served with the 64th Air Rescue Squadron during the Korean War.

Upon his retirement to Milwaukee, he attended the University of Wisconsin with an interest in business administration which took second place to his love for aviation. He was hired in 1957 by Capital Airlines as an airline pilot flying the DC-3, DC-4, DC-6 & Viscounts. Capital Airlines merged with United Airlines and he went on to fly the 727, 737, 747 and retired as a captain on the DC-10 fulfilling a 35 year career. During this time he was a mentor to many aspiring pilots.

In retirement his avocation included being an "unofficial" financial advisor to his friends, a photographer for the Wheaton Leader and a cameraman for the local Wheaton cable channel. He spent 2 years as a corporate pilot, but decided to re-route his interests to golf, traveling and family.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 62 years, Rosalinda Karolek, his children, Carla (Dr. Mark) Byrne of Palo Alto, CA, Eric Karolek of Bollingbrook and Marisa Karolek of Aurora. There are 4 grandchildren, Alexa, Colin, Christie and Brett; sisters-in-law, Kathy Lucero of Albuquerque, NM and Joyce Karolek of Milwaukee, WI.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and James (Patricia) Karolek.

Mass will be held at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 300 E Cole Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 on Friday, September 10th at 10:00 a.m.  A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 10th from 2:30 until 7:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or Seasons Hospice .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.