Charles Illk, 87, of Wilsey, passed away March 2, 2020, at Morris County Hospital.
He was born in Delavan, Kansas, on the family farm, Herman and Emma (Kinkel) Illk. Charlie attended Olive Branch School and Wilsey High School, graduating in 1950. He married Barbara Joan Williams on January 9, 1954 in Herington, KS.
Charlie was a route salesman for Wonder and Rainbow Bread Companies for many years and was also a foreman for Guerdon Manufacturing. He and Joan owned and operated the Wilsey Grocery Store for a couple years and C & J Gift Shop for 39 years. He later was the Superintendent for BMG Gas Field south of Wilsey. Charlie was a member of Wilsey United Methodist Church and a member of Wilsey Fire Department for 39 years.
Charlie enjoyed buying and selling Fenton Art Glass, and helping Tony with farming and working cattle on Carl Farms. Charlie also had 2 dogs, Cyrus and Gemma, which in his later years became his best friends.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, and 3 sisters, Aileen Anderson, Bonnie Odau and Illa Carl. He is survived by his children: Joyce Connell (Terry) of FL, Jeffrey Illk (Debbie) of Emporia, and Robert Illk of Joplin, MO; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00, Thursday, March 5th, at Sawyer Funeral Chapel, with the funeral service beginning at 10:00. Burial will follow at Wilsey Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilsey Fire Department, sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, Box 273, Council Grove, KS. 66846.