Charles Sabathne Obituary

Charles Anthony Sabathne born November 16, 1920 in Altoona PA passed away on a beautiful Easter morning April 8, 2012 at the age of 91 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Chuck, AKA Bud, married Dorothy (Nelson) in 1941 but weeks later the bombing of Pearl Harbor forced them to postpone their plans while Chuck served time in the Navy during WWII. This past November, Chuck and Dorothy celebrated their seventy-year anniversary with family and friends. Chuck and Dorothy began their marriage in Pennsylvania but soon found their home in Illinois; living for a time in Chicago before settling in West Chicago in 1956. Chuck was an Eagle Scout, a devout Catholic, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He was a member of the Lion's club, a Rotarian and for many years, a lector at St. Mary's Church in West Chicago as well as St John's Church in Winfield. In 1991 Chuck retired from General Mills in West Chicago where he was a maintenance supervisor and he and Dorothy relocated to Hot Springs Village AK. These past years they enjoyed extensive travel, gardening, fishing and community service, which included 17 years as hospice volunteers. Chuck and Dorothy were blessed with nine children, Christopher (Chris), William (Bill), Dorothy (Dottie), Charles (Chip), Nancy, Mary, Catherine (Cathy), Barbara and David. There are also nineteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Chuck's life reflected his love of family, dedication to his faith, and a strong work ethic. He was a gifted drafter, carpenter, singer, and communicator. His analytical mind and commitment to integrity and common sense was evidenced by his keen interest in politics. He believed in the power of an active informed citizen. He was a generous man to anyone in need. He loved reading and history. He had a joke for every occasion, and the depth of his caring was apparent to everyone who knew him. A mass to celebrate Chuck's life is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2012 in Cedar Rapids IA at the All Saints Catholic Church.