Charles D. Kocanda, age 87, a 50 year resident of Oak Lawn, IL, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 12, 2021. He was born May 18, 1933 in Chicago to Charles P. and Margaret Kocanda.

Charlie grew up in Chicago and served in the United States Army from 1953 until 1956 during the Korean War Era. He married Patricia Jozwiak on January 12, 1957. He worked for many years at Sweetheart Cup Corporation as a supervisor.

He enjoyed entertaining people. Because of his natural likeness to Kenny Rogers, he was able to impersonate him in shows. He later enjoyed entertaining children as Santa Claus, his long white natural beard making him very convincing. He used that God-given talent to witness to those children. He enjoyed cooking and gardening, but most of all he enjoyed being with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pat, his son, Charles (Barbara) Kocanda Jr., daughter, Cynthia (Wilburn Jr.) Rhoades, four grandchildren, Edward, Ellie, Wilburn "Scot" (Bridget), and Nicholas, four great-grandchildren, Alice, Henry, Mae and Julie, one sister, Charlotte Hofman and nieces and nephews: Kathy, Ben, Peggy, Joe, and David, as well as great nieces and nephews.

Charles was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all and will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters Arlene Adaszak & Rosemary Tully.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9435 S. 54th Avenue, Oak Lawn IL 60453, where a funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.