MOUNT MORRIS – Charles “Chuck” R. Baal, age 63, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 4, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born June 5, 1958 in Rockford, the son of Donald and Velda (Klenz) Baal.
He graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1976. He served his country as a Missile Maintenance Specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1977-1981. Chuck married Brenda Kalnins on Sept. 27, 1985 at the Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris and were married for almost 36 years. He worked as a Machine Operator for Quebecor Printing in Mt. Morris from 1985 until its closure in 2011. He worked for Rayovac for a few years and then was hired by Donaldson Company in Dixon, for the past 7 years.
He loved to travel, always happy to try a new restaurant or brewery, being outside grilling out or having a beer with family or friends, and he really loved his sweet treats. He was looking forward to retiring in two years and having more time to do the things he loved. Chuck was an avid Chicago fan, rooting for the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. He loved going to Professional and Minor League baseball games in the summers. He was active in the Mount Morris community by volunteering and helping run the Youth Sports League for several years. Chuck was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was very active in his children’s lives, always willing to help them practice and helped coach almost all their sports teams. Chuck was an avid bowler and participated in several leagues throughout his life, He could even throw the ball between his legs and strike.
He was part of the group to get the Oregon Bowling Team formed and was the assistant coach for many seasons. He was always proud to tell people that both of his kids had 300 games. He was always there to support all his family no matter what the occasion was and help his parents and In-Laws with different projects around their houses. “Chucky” loved watching and playing his grandchildren’s activities, whether it was hockey, dance, baseball and football.
He was predeceased by his father Donald Baal and father-in-law Elmars Kalnins.
He is survived by his wife Brenda of Mt. Morris, son Justin (Cassie) Baal of Normal, Illinois, daughter Emily Baal of Mt. Morris, mother Velda Baal of Pecatonica, brother Steve (Bonnie) Baal of Freeport, mother-in-law Marion Kalnins of Mt. Morris, grandchildren Kolbe, Maddison, and Mayson Baal, sister-in-laws Sandy (Al) Nordman of Oregon, Lisa (Michael) Janes of Dixon, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, July 25th from 2-5 p.m. at Town and Country Lanes in Mount Morris. Military Honors will take place at 2 p.m. by the Oregon VFW Post 8739 Memorials may be directed to the family or the charity of the donor’s choice. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory.
