MT. MORRIS — Charles Emory Buser, Chuck to all, passed away on September 7, 2024 in the loving care of his wife, Deborah and daughters, Anne and Amy. Chuck was born August 7, 1948 to Gail Jacob and Harriett Conrad Buser in Rockford, IL.
With his ball glove slipped over the handlebar, Chuck spent his youth riding his bicycle through his hometown of Mt. Morris, IL in hope of locating friends for a pick-up game of baseball. He often regaled a favorite memory from his youth when he hit a grand slam against the Polo team and his team won: 16-0. A devoted Milwaukee Braves fan, as a boy he often fell asleep listening to that night’s game on the radio broadcast. He was so dedicated that for years he would proudly rattle off their 1957 World Series starting lineup.
During high school, his desire was to play football for his beloved Mounders. Unfortunately, his parents didn’t share the passion and wouldn’t allow it. Perhaps that was the seed that planted his love for the Green Bay Packers. A die-hard season ticket holder, he religiously made the trek to cheer on his beloved ‘Pack’ at LLLLLLLammmmmbeauuuuu for over 40 years.
He made many memories (some of them academic) during his years at Mt. Morris High School with his “Twigs and Sticks of ‘66”. He continued on to Western and later attained his degree from NIU. Chuck greatly enjoyed spending time and spinning stories with his fellow ‘66ers.
Like his brothers, Chuck was found working at the family lumber yard at an early age, whether he was sweeping the saw shed, delivering loads of coal, or his “favorite”: cleaning coal furnaces. He learned that “lumber was in his blood” and spent the rest of his career guiding his loyal team in building numerous structures – homes, pole barns, garages, and even the fire stations in Leaf River and Seward. He was proud of his crew, diligently working to keep projects going during the harsh winter months, and thankful for the support of his customers.
Chuck’s love of the water began during childhood family vacations to Devil’s Lake, WI, a place he cherished. It was there he learned to swim – a preferable alternative to being “drowned” by his older brothers. As his daughters became swimmers, they would often try to win races with their Dad – either in the pool or across the bay.
And then one day, life took a turn. An eventual dementia diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) set the course for the next few years. The pandemic lockdowns interfered with a timely diagnosis of yet another dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) which targets the executive functions of the brain and claims total independence.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Edward. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Deborah, daughters Anne (Michael) and Amy (James) and dearest brother Frederic (Rita), their families, bonus grands and greats, a dozen cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, a multitude of in-laws and “outlaws”, and the angels who walked with us during this journey.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1pm – 3 pm at Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris. As per Chuck’s request, a private burial will be in Adeline Evangelical Cemetery.
A Hui Hou.
