Charles "Chuck" L. Trojan, age 73 and resident of West Chicago, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

Chuck was born on April 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. Following his graduation from Lane Technical High School, Chuck went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Education and began his teaching career in the Chicago Public School System. Chuck then earned his Master's degree from Loyola University, became a guidance counselor in Chicago's Austin area and eventually moved into a guidance position at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois. Being a high school counselor was not a job to him; it was a calling and one that he truly loved. His professional expertise and genuine compassion earned him the respect and admiration of his students and colleagues. In his spare time, he officiated IHSA basketball games, was an avid fan of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team and was the commissioner of both Fantasy Football and Fantasy Baseball Leagues.

Upon retirement from his counseling position, he devoted his last fourteen years to raising puppies who were in training for assistance to the disabled. Joined together in this labor of love, he and his wife ventured about the city preparing puppies for their roles as silent guardians to the disabled. They often gave presentations in libraries, schools and community organizations demonstrating the transitions and training demands of a service dog; and because of his humor, personality and gentle nature, Chuck became a well-loved character in each of his wife's books written about the journey of some of the dogs they raised.

Chuck touched the lives of so many during his lifetime with his gentle spirit, kindness and incredible sense of humor. While his light is dimmed by his passing, it will remain forever bright in the hearts of those who knew him.   Our world was truly a better place for having Chuck in it.

Chuck is preceded in death by his mother Dixie (Hanrath) and father, Lewis Trojan… survived by his wife Jennifer Rae (Kupsak), his sister Ellen Trojan, brother-in-law to Gary and Barbara Kupsak, uncle to Todd, Staci , Andrew and Brooklyn Kupsak, great uncle to Peyton, Tysen and Olivia Kupsak, and hundreds of students and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pet Training/Rescue Groups of your choosing will be appreciated.

A visitation will be held on February 10th, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until the start of a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.