Charles Geiger

Charles "Chuck" Geiger, 84, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Illinois Veteran's Home in La Salle.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be follow at 11:30am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.

Chuck was born on March 26, 1941 to Steve and Helen (Wielgopolan) Geiger. From boyhood through adulthood he was generous, a strong entrepreneur, and even a little mischievous. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School, and went on to serve in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. When he returned, he started his working career to include working for Greyhound Bus in Chicago, Libbey Owens Ford, opening a deli/meat market, owning Tequilla Eddie's Restaurant and Bar and was an engineer for CSX railroad. His true legacy will be the development and distribution of "Chuck's Gourmet Cheese". Chuck was proud of the multiple blue ribbons he won at the Illinois State Fair.

Along his journey, Chuck met his life partner of fifty plus years, Marlene Stillwell. Not only did they share in business ventures, but shared in raising Marlene's son, Jeff, who looked up to Chuck as a second dad. Chuck was a faithful member of St Patrick's Catholic Church.

Chuck is survived by Jeff (Juli) Stillwell and their children, Harley Stillwell, Jennifer Lancaster, Melissa Harden, Dawn Jacobs, Laura Goebel, Amy Anderson, and Heidi Geiger; his sisters, Florence Stricklin and Virginia Jackson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his partner, Marlene Stillwell; his siblings, Mary Lou (Richard) Collins and Edmund (Nancy) Geiger; and his brother in law, Walter Stricklin.

Chuck will always be remembered as a loving partner, a bonus dad, a devoted son and brother, a fun cousin, a favorite uncle, and a friend to many.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Veteran's Home in LaSalle for caring for Chuck as his health declined.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Stillwell, Harley Stillwell, Chris Clark, Rick Navarro, Mike Chambliss, and Mike Stricklin.