Charles E. Cherry, 77, of LaMoille, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church, LaMoille with Rev. David Jungnickel officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota with military honors by Mendtoa VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be held two hour prior to the funeral at church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Charles was born February 19, 1944 in Spring Valley to Henry and Frances (Sissell) Cherry. He married Betty Burkart on December 21, 1968 in LaMoille.

Charles was an avid rancher and farmer on his family-owned farm since he was a young boy. He served in the United States Army, mostly in Europe. Upon the death of his father, he took over the full-time operations of the family business, and to supplement his income, he took jobs cleaning up train wrecks with Hulchers and worked with PST cleaning tractor trailers.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and other outdoor activies. He took pride in maintaining his property and assuring that his livestock was well cared for. He very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren play various sports. He was astute at maintaining his finances. He took great pride in the many achievements of his children as he watched them mature into fine adults. He enjoyed dining out with friends and family alike. Upon the passing of his devoted wife of 50 years, Betty Cherry, he rekindled a relationship with his former girlfriend, Carla Zimmerman. They enjoyed each others company and spent many hours together. Charles was graduate of LaMoille High School. He was a member of the LaMoille Lions Club and Community United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son Chad Cherry of LaMoille; two daughters Niki Norquist of Cicero and Sonya (Chad) Rosenow of Mineral; sister Linda (Dave) Long of Rock Falls and grandchildren Alana Cherry, Casen Cherry, Carter Cherry, Ella Cherry, Taylor Rosenow and Austin Norquist.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Betty in 2019.

Memorials may be directed to Community United Methodist Church, LaMoille Lions Club or LaMoille Ambulance. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com