Charles William "Chuck" Fritcher Obituary Charles ‘Chuck’ William Fritcher, 76, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on June 23, 2025 at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 14, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Roy and Grace (Britton) Fritcher. Chuck’s family moved to Taylorville when he was nine years old, and he lived there for the majority of his life. Chuck graduated from Taylorville HS in 1966. After high school, Chuck began working at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur, IL as a welder and electrician. Chuck retired from Caterpillar after 30 years. Taking a leave from Caterpillar, Chuck volunteered to serve his country as a gunner in Vietnam and, in just thirteen months, reached the rank of Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Chuck was recognized for his ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, leading his captain to appoint Chuck to lead a squad for battlefield operations. Chuck’s leadership and quick thinking allowed all of the men to avoid serious injury. In addition to full-time work at Caterpillar, Chuck lived out an entrepreneurial spirit by starting a small chimney sweep business from the back of a pick-up truck with only a few chimney brushes and a wet-vac. Through determination and drive, Chuck quickly outgrew the old pick-up and was soon driving to jobs in a sleek black van with the business name, Chuck’s Chimney Sweep, boldly displayed on the side in red. Chuck applied himself to the trade, learning masonry skills and how to pour a new liner down an existing chimney with Ahrens Chimney Technique, Inc. Chuck became an official Ahrens dealer in the 1980s. His knowledge and work ethic (he was never late for an appointment) made Chuck’s Chimney Sweep and Masonry a trusted expert in all things chimney and fireplaces. Even more, Chuck loved connecting with his customers year after year as he ensured their home’s safety. His charisma and friendly nature endeared him to many customers over the 30 years he owned and operated the business. Chuck was active in ministry, first serving as a Sunday School Teacher at the United Pentecostal Church (currently Crossroads Apostolic Ministries) in Taylorville, IL. In addition, Chuck served as Worship Leader, Men’s Ministry Leader, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also part of the ministry team for Taylorville Correctional Center and witnessed many lives changed. While Chuck served as the Superintendent, the church was recognized as having the fastest growing UPCI Sunday School in Illinois. After moving to Marion, IL, Chuck attended Shawnee Worship Center in Vienna, IL, led Senior Church, and served for nearly 20 years as Campus Pastor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Through the years, Chuck loved being active in ministry. If asked, Chuck would share that he felt his most important contribution was teaching hundreds of Bible studies, many of those to the international community. On May 12, 2000, Chuck married Diane Brookmyer Minnick in Ozark, IL, and they made their home in Marion, IL. Their union provided Chuck with four sons and Diane with two daughters. Chuck always had a story to tell and a word to mispronounce. He was a tough-as-nails Marine but had a heart of gold and a generous spirit. He never missed an opportunity to share how God (and Diane) changed his life. He loved God, his family, classic cars, motorcycles, sweets, and sharing God’s word with others. He will be missed by so many. Surviving are his wife; daughters, Tracie Fritcher Johnson (Lou) of Taylorville, IL and Stephanie Fritcher Sapetti of Springfield, IL; sons, Michael Minnick of Marion, IL, David Minnick of Jacksonville, IL, Jesse Minnick (Misty) of Troy, IL, and Jonathan Minnick of Herrin, IL; 14 grandchildren, Hope Johnson, Luc Johnson, Lea Johnson, Sydney Sapetti, Delaney Sapetti, Mikenzie Minnick, Joslyn Minnick, Jalin Atkins (Yesi), Jalah Atkins Stowers (Ethan), Austin Minnick, Kaitlyn Minnick, Gracie Minnick, Malorie Minnick, and Nolan Minnick; four great grandchildren, Ian, Jensen, Molly, Baker; sister, Laura Fritcher Drnjevic (Denny) of Shelbyville, IL; close friends and family, Christa, Tina Marie, and Dalton; and several nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at Shawnee Worship Center in Vienna, IL with Rev. Mark Branch officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 27 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. Interment will be at Herrin City Cemetery in Herrin. Memorial donations for Global Missions may be made to Shawnee Worship Center, 98 Oliver Street, P.O. Box 661, Vienna, IL 62995; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. A celebration of life is scheduled in Taylorville on Thursday, August 14th from 5-7 p.m. in the Manner’s Park Dining Room.