Charles ("Chuck") Sticklen

Of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Chuck was born on October 12, 1937 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to Earl and Olga (Macko) Sticklen. He grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, then built a life in Joliet, IL rooted in family and faith.

Chuck was united in marriage to Emma Kapteyn, his beloved wife of 60 years. Together they built a life marked by commitment, loyalty, and deep love for their family. Chuck was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Chuck spent his career as a high school mathematics teacher in Joliet Township High Schools, a role he approached with dedication and integrity. He took pride in his work and in serving others; he valued responsibility, perseverance, and doing things the right way. Whether in the classroom or at home, Chuck was known for his steady presence and his love of telling jokes — even the ones everyone had heard a thousand times — delivered with a smile that made them worth hearing again.

Above all, Chuck will be remembered for the kind of man he was — gentle, steady, deeply loving, and deeply spiritual. He had a calm demeanor, a warm smile, and a way of making people feel welcome.

When Chuck retired from teaching, he loved to travel, play golf, host pool parties, and tinker with wood working projects in the garage.

Chuck cherished time spent with his family. He was passionate about sharing the gospel and ministering financially to those in need. As a man of faith, his trust in God sustained him throughout his life. He is now at peace, resting in the presence of Jesus, the Lord he loved.  Chuck's life was a gift, and his love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Olga Sticklen.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Emma, his children, Kimberly (Randy), Stephen (Stacey), and Benjamin, his grandchildren, Mindi, Lex (Lindsay), Noah, Alexander, Logan, Christian, and Luke, his great grandchildren, Blake, Lorelai, and Sierra, his sister Virginia Gulick and her children Larry and Debbie.

Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Friday, January 16th from 9:00 until a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Gospel Life Church of Joliet or to plant a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation arborday.org.