Charles J. Pogorelac's Obituary
Charles “Charlie” J. Pogorelac, 66, of Waterloo, IL died Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Charlie was born February 28, 1952, in Granite City, Illinois and grew up in neighboring Madison, Illinois. He was student body president of the 1970 graduating class of Madison High School and remained friends with many of his classmates. Charlie received an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, a degree in Information Technology from Washington University, and an MBA from Webster University. He had a successful 40+ year career in accounting and finance, while also serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired from Bi-State Development in May 2018. Charlie loved sports and could typically be found watching Cardinal baseball or playing basketball, golf, and cork ball with dear friends. He was a dedicated husband, father, and PawPaw. Charlie was truly a light to all who knew him and will be deeply missed by all.
Surviving are his wife and best friend, Elizabeth "Becky" Pogorelac, nee Recklein, his precious children, Chad (Christy) Pogorelac of San Clemente, CA, and Chelsea (James) Medek of Chicago, IL, grandchildren, Evelyn and Isla Pogorelac, and Charlie Medek, two sisters, Carol (William) Mathes of Granite City, IL, and Judy Kulasza of Granite City, IL, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Steve and Mary Pogorelac, nee Nemeth, along with a brother-in-law, John Kulasza.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 8, 2018, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, and Friday, November 9, 9:00 am - 10:00 am, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 9, at 10:00 am, at the church, with Fr. Carl Scherrer, officiating. Private family Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia, IL.
Thank you to his doctors and caregivers at Siteman Cancer Center and BJC Hospice. Also, a special thank you to many friends and family who assisted with his care during his illness. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Siteman Cancer Center - Washington University CB 1204, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63105 . For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
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