Charles Richard Zindel, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Chuck was born on November 15, 1938, in Moweaqua, Illinois, to Herman and Alice (Lambdin) Zindel. He attended Moweaqua High School and later graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Business.
While attending Western Illinois University, Chuck met the love of his life, Carol Wheeler. They were married on June 23, 1962, and shared more than 53 years of marriage before Carol's passing. During this period, Chuck proudly served in the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1967 before continuing his career in agricultural equipment sales.
Chuck is survived by his children Keith (Sue) Zindel, Kevin (Esther) Zindel, and Debra "Debbie" (Michael) Wisdom; grandchildren Kristin (Collin) Hayes, Amanda Zindel, Wendy Flores, Ana Flores, and Andrew "Drew" Wisdom; great-grandchildren Cameron Hayes and Devin Hayes; sister Evelyn (Bob) Schmitz; sisters-in-law Helen (Johno) Zindel and Barbara (Jordan) Zindel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Zindel; his parents, Herman and Alice (Lambdin) Zindel; his brothers Herman Zindel, Ralph Zindel, and James Zindel; and his sister, Elizabeth (Zindel) Teichman.
Chuck was known by many names throughout his life. Depending on when and where you knew him, he was known as Richard to his family and friends in Moweaqua. He was also known as Charles, Chuck, Dick, Zip, or Chucky. To his children he was Dad. To his grandchildren he was Grandpa. To Cameron and Devin he was Great-Grandpa.
Raised in the shadows of the Great Depression, Chuck learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, frugality, and appreciation for the land from his parents and the farming community of Moweaqua. The philosophy of "waste not, want not" remained with him throughout his life and influenced the way he approached family, work, gardening, and everyday living. Chuck was known for his creativity, strong work ethic, and commitment to family. He enjoyed gardening, growing tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, and flowers, rescuing geraniums, traveling, collecting walnuts from his travels, and sharing stories with family and friends. Chuck enjoyed visiting family and friends around the country. He loved the open road and preferred the scenic route whenever possible. He also enjoyed keeping up with current events, news, and politics and was always willing to share his thoughts and engage in a lively discussion.
His professional career included agricultural equipment and sales positions with Allis-Chalmers, Ariens, Yanmar, and other organizations. Along the way he developed lifelong friendships with farmers, coworkers, collectors, and enthusiasts who shared his passion for agriculture and equipment. Long after his working years ended, he remained connected to many of those friends through tractor collecting, restoration projects, farming discussions, museum activities, and gatherings that celebrated the people, equipment, and traditions he loved.
Chuck had a deep appreciation for faith, family history, and the stories of those who came before him. For more than 40 years, Chuck and his son Keith researched family roots, preserved family stories, and learned about the family's Irish, Scottish, German, and Swiss heritage. Together they visited ancestral churches and cemeteries in Southern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. In several of those communities, early generations of the family opened their homes for worship services before churches were established and later helped support and build the congregations that became cornerstones of their communities. Chuck took pride in seeing these places firsthand, attending services, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the faith traditions that shaped generations of his family. A visit to the family's ancestral church in the village of Schoren, near Thun, Switzerland, by his granddaughter Amanda helped connect the family to its Swiss roots and revealed more than 300 years of family history, and provided another meaningful chapter in the family's continuing journey of discovery.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, the congregation of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, his many friends in Del Webb, and the close family and friends who supported Chuck throughout his life.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, Illinois.
Additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the church.
Military honors will be rendered in recognition of Chuck's service in the United States Army Reserve.
Memorials may be directed to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, Operation Smile (providing cleft surgeries worldwide), and Heifer International (helping families through agriculture).
Arrangements are being coordinated through DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service of Huntley, Illinois.
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Chuck was a good friend of mine for over 65 years. We went to the same college, both worked for Allis-Chalmers, and lived in Del Webb. I will certainly miss his conservative views and opinions. He and Carol certainly raised their children to be caring and respective. Rest in peace Chuck when you're not driving your Allis-Chalmers D-21
I had the privilege of working for Chuck for more than 15 years. He was always calm, positive, and a pleasure to be around. One of the things I will always cherish is the 1966 Ford Thunderbird that I purchased from him many years ago. It remains very special to me and is a lasting reminder of a man I respected and appreciated. Chuck was someone special whom God placed in my life, and I am grateful for the years I knew him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
So sorry for your loss.
Chuck and Carol were great people. They had dinner at my parent's house a few times when I was up visiting. Chuck has been friends with my had for probably more years than I've been alive. A lot of people don't keep in touch that well. I'm sure he will be missed
Chuck was a customer first and became a friend at the Fenzel Motors Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep- Ram in Hampshire. The numerous vehicles that Chuck purchased due to his love of driving everywhere and anywhere was incredible The stories that Chuck told about his experiences in work and in life were always interesting. I will always remember Chuck and I'm glad that I got a chance to know him for well over a decade. RIP road warrior. Prayers to your family.
Chuck was everything to me, he helped me make decisions, loved meeting me for lunch and talk about everything. i think about him ever day and miss his laughter. He was a genuine loving human being. I was so glad to be part of his life for 15 years.