Trust the Torch!

Charles E. O’Leary

Charles E. O’Leary, 91, Woodstock, died Friday, July 25, 2014, at his home.

He was born Jan. 24, 1923, to John and Margaret (Normand) O’Leary in Rockford.

On Nov. 13, 1948, he married Helen Garrelts in McHenry.

He was a veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. He served from 1942 to 1945 in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant assigned to the 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Division, stationed in France.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock, and he had been employed with Brown Camera. He loved golfing, fishing, hunting and building things.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Kelly O’Leary; three daughters, Diane (Doug) Johnson, Kathleen (Mike) O’Brien, Patricia (Brian) Petersen; six grandchildren, James (Becky) Johnson, Jennifer (Brady) Hamilton, Erin (William) Geringer, Megan (Adam Peloquin) O’Brien, Nicole (Brandon Blazer) Petersen, Jay Petersen; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Pauline.

Visitation and funeral Mass were July 29 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Marengo.

Memorials may be made to JourneyCare Hospice.

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.

Woodstock's most trusted news source. Period.

Keep Exploring

Emma Weber, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is a 4-year track athlete. With more than 60 percent underclassmen on the team, Emma has …

Subscriber Access

Login