Published on December 22, 2025 2:44 pm
Last Updated on December 22, 2025 2:44 pm
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Charles W. “Chuck” Hutchcraft, 88, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Saturday December 20, 2025, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.
A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In honoring Chuck’s wishes, his body was donated to science to help others in education and research. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Charles was born on July 22, 1937, in Carmi, IL, the son of Norman and Nola (Barbre) Hutchcraft. He was a charismatic guy with lots of love to give. Chuck married Nancy McCracken and to this union two children were born, Charles “Bill” and Christina. He later married Sue Nelson Henning, having three children, Carla, Nola, and Jeff “Hank”. Sue preceded Chuck in death. Lastly, Chuck was married to Cindy Weidner. Chuck worked for the United States Postal Service for many years and was proud of what he did. He started out as a mail clerk on the train before transferring to the highway post office. He was a strong supporter of the work he did and those he worked with. Chuck served as president of the Effingham Local APWU Post Office Union. In 1970, he even picketed, securing a new post office contract in 1971. After retirement, Chuck’s love of cars led him to selling used cars in the area. He was also a collector of many things. He enjoyed watching sports and talking with others. Chuck was never shy of conversation and could often be found with a pipe in hand talking about the day with someone new. He also enjoyed his time meeting up with friends for coffee. Chuck was a proud man, always feeling young at heart. His love of singing will be remembered by his happy birthdays to those important to him. One thing he always reminded his family was to “always let them know you’ve been there.” In his simple ways, Chuck did this well himself.
Chuck is survived by his children, Charles “Bill” (Pam) Bowman, Christina (Ted) Staudenraus, Carla (Karl) Utz, Nola (Brian) Schultz, and Jeff “Hank” Hutchcraft; grandchildren, Colby William Utz, Carson Charles Utz, Austin Schultz, Courtney Cole, Thadeous Pierson, Joshua Pierson, Brandi Bruton, Jacob Bowman, Pamela Peerson, Lisa Lane, Tejha Johnson Helfst, Jeremiah Hutchcraft, and Jeffrey Hutchcraft (deceased); several great-grandchildren, a few great-great-grandchildren; and a twin sister, Charlene Harvey. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who were very special to him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Nancy; second wife, Sue; grandson, Jeffrey Hutchcraft; and siblings, Wanda Long, J.D. Hutchcraft, Wilma Puckett, and Norma Little.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brookstone Estates, Lakeland Nursing Home, LHC Home Health Care, and Transitions Hospice, for their compassionate care of Chuck.