We are deeply saddened to share that on December 17, 2025, Charles "Chuck" Friend passed away unexpectedly while making his nightly Red Cross delivery to Peru, Illinois. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and best friend.

Chuck cherished his life and home -- he loved sitting outside, relaxing with family, and enjoying bonfires and wiener roasts. Over the years, many friends, family, and neighbors have been invited over to enjoy the welcoming and peaceful space Chuck created. Children and adults alike would play, fish, ride horses, and simply enjoy and appreciate nature.

Those of us who are a bit older will recall the annual Chili Cook Outs that would last all night and even had annual t-shirts. Chuck was a true servant of this community, giving of himself tirelessly.

To provide for his family, Chuck often held two jobs in addition to his pension. Now, after his passing, his family is facing significant long-term expenses. Although they deeply wish to remain in their home forever, filled with the amazing memories Chuck helped create, it no longer seems feasible. For those who may not know, my Mother, Lisa Friend is on disability due to Multiple Sclerosis, and my sister still has significant medical debt from her battles with liver cancer. Shena is also part of the Golden Apple scholarship fund which requires her to hold down full-time college credits, a high GPA, and a full-time job. Unfortunately, she is about to start student teaching, which will be unpaid, but also full-time, while also taking a full semester of college classes.

My family hopes to have some time to grieve and carefully consider their next steps, which includes meeting with the bank about their mortgage. Your support would help them tremendously.

They also have outstanding medical bills for Chuck from a recent surgery, as well as the costs associated with his passing, such as the ambulance in Peru, transport back to East Peoria, cremation services, etc. There are utilities, house payments, taxes, and many home repairs that Chuck had been in the middle of, along with all the daily expenses. The home repairs include an entirely new hot water heater, water softener and new pipes. They are in the middle of getting this work quoted right now. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated and will go directly to his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Shena, to help with these costs.

Please keep our family in your prayers as they search for the strength to move forward without Chuck. We are truly lost without him.

Regardless of your ability to give financially we’d love for you to share your photos and stories on the Facebook Page: Memories with Chuck "Charlie (CW)" Friend