Published on April 14, 2025 7:07 am
Last Updated on April 15, 2025 3:24 pm
Charles Alphonse Hartke, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, Illinois, with burial and military service immediately following in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crisis Nursery of Effingham County. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Teutopolis. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.
Charles was born on May 7, 1944, to Alphonse and Sophia Hartke. He graduated from Teutopolis High School in 1962 and married Kathryn L. Hoene on August 10, 1963, at St. Mary’s of Help Catholic Church in Green Creek, Illinois. They were blessed with two children, Christopher and Kimberly. A lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, Charles was also active in the Knights of Columbus Council #2874 and the American Legion Post 924. From 1966 to 1968, Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Quang Tri, Vietnam, he served as a field medic, holding the rank of E5 Sergeant and overseeing triage operations.
Before his time in public service, Charles was a dedicated full-time farmer, working the land in Effingham County from the time he returned from Vietnam until his appointment to the Illinois House of Representatives. He was a skilled grain farmer, raising corn and soybeans, and also managed livestock—raising both swine and sheep. Chuck took immense pride in his work and was known for his forward-thinking approach to agriculture. He was one of the first farmers in Effingham County to implement a slatted-floor hog operation, reflecting his commitment to innovation and animal welfare. His dedication to the land and his livestock wasn’t just a livelihood—it was a way of life rooted in hard work, resilience, and stewardship.
Following his return from Vietnam, Charles became deeply involved in his local community. He first participated in zoning efforts for Effingham County and was later appointed to the Regional County Planning Commission. In 1971, he accepted a position on the Effingham County Board, where he served until 1974. His dedication to civic service continued as chairman of the Effingham County Democratic Central Committee from 1978 to 1985. He also served as a delegate to the Illinois State Democratic Convention in 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1984. Before his time in the legislature, Chuck was deeply involved in local and state politics. He served as Chairperson for the Effingham County Democrats from 1976 to 1984, where he actively encouraged younger generations to become involved through the Young Democrats of Effingham County. From 1972 to 2003, he also served as the Precinct Committee Person for Effingham County–St. Francis. His leadership extended statewide as well, serving as State Central Committeeman for Illinois’ 19th District from 1992 to 2000.
In January 1985, Charles was appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served with distinction for nine terms until May 2003. In 1997, he was named Assistant Majority Leader, a position he held through the remainder of his time in the House. During his legislative career, Chuck sponsored a total of 55 bills, serving as the primary sponsor on 28 of them.
He was well known for his approachable leadership style and deep connection to his constituents. One of his most beloved traditions was hosting the annual Beer & Brat fundraiser, held outdoors at the former Green Lantern Restaurant. The event often drew crowds of up to 2,000 people, reflecting both his popularity and his down-to-earth nature.
Following his legislative career, Chuck was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, a role he held until stepping down on February 29, 2008. His deep roots in farming and agriculture made him a natural fit for the position, where he continued to advocate for rural communities and Illinois farmers.
After retiring from public office, Chuck remained active in state affairs by joining the Illinois lobbying firm Morrill & Fiedler, LLC, where he continued to lend his voice and expertise to issues close to his heart.
In his retirement, Chuck poured his time and talent into building a greenhouse, where he cultivated a wide variety of plants and vegetables. With his gifted green thumb and generous spirit, he offered them to the community in exchange for 100% donations to CSS (Community Support Systems) in Teutopolis.
Charles is survived by his fiancée, Brenda Holmes of Springfield; his son, Christopher (Beth) Hartke of Teutopolis, IL; his daughter, Kimberly (Patrick) Deters of Teutopolis, IL; and his cherished grandchildren: Ryan Deters of Glen Carbon, IL, Rachael (Curtis) Meuth of St. Louis, MO, Jaelen (Rodrigo) Deters-Camargo of Peoria, IL, Madeline (Jordan) Ratermann of Aviston, IL, Anna (Mark) Wendell of Jerseyville, IL, and Jack Hartke of Teutopolis, IL; great-grandson Luke Wendell.
He is also survived by his siblings: Margie Clayton Apke, Sally Wakefield, Patricia (Bob) Poston, Phillip (Carol) Hartke, and Michael(Eileen) Hartke; his sisters-in-law: Charlene (Jerry) Hartke, Joan (Frank) Hartke, Joyce (Raymond) Vahling, Dolores (Charlie) Kroeger, Bernice Dasenbrock; and his brother-in-law, Henry (Lois) Hoene.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his parents; his sisters, Mary Lou Vahling and Elvira Verdeyen; and his brothers, Gerald and Francis Hartke.