Charles "Chuck" Friend

Charles “Chuck” Friend, 74, of East Peoria, passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2025, while making his nightly Red Cross delivery to Peru, Illinois. He was born on April 5, 1951, in Peoria, Illinois, to Weldon and Wilma (Roberts) Friend. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lisa (Marshall) Friend, whom he married on July 6, 1985, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria. He is also survived by his daughter, Shena Friend of East Peoria and her fiancé, Daniel Timm of Bloomington; his stepdaughter, Christina (Son) Schroeter, and her husband, Corey Schroeter, of Lakeside, Montana; and five cherished grandchildren, Alana, Nehemiah, Warren, Micah, and Kaityln. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judy Friend of Marquette Heights; and his parents-in-law, William and Opal Marshall of East Peoria. A lifelong resident of East Peoria, Chuck graduated from East Peoria Community High School, Class of 1969, and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Eureka College. As a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), he worked as a retail clerk for Kroger in East Peoria for 38½ years. In addition, he served and protected the residents of Tazewell County for 28½ years as a Tazewell County Sheriff’s Deputy, retiring after a long and dedicated career. During his service in law enforcement, Chuck negotiated multiple union contracts with Tazewell County, earned the Illinois State Police Forensic Qualification of “A1”, and later ran for Tazewell County Coroner. He was the recipient of the American Legion Award for Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship, and Service, and received more than 50 Certificates of Accomplishment in Law Enforcement, Safety, and Public Communications. In 2013, Chuck continued his commitment to service by helping tornado victims throughout Tazewell County as a caseworker for Illinois Strong, the American Red Cross, Long Term Recovery, Washington Strong (FEMA), and the Washington Illinois Area Foundation. Even in retirement, Chuck never stopped giving back. He worked as a substitute teacher for District 85, 86, and Washington Community High School; delivered the Peoria Journal Star; interned with Peoria Police Juvenile Probation; managed Waterworks Car Wash in East Peoria; and served as a courier for the American Red Cross. Chuck’s passion for community service was something he shared with his entire family and his service extended to countless organizations, including Partners in Hope for St. Jude, Easter Seals Foundation, Disabled Veterans Association, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through Washington Strong, he helped donate more than 500 bicycles. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 98 and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association, serving as both a past President and Vice President. Chuck also enjoyed fishing and cars. He frequently worked security at the Pekin Sportsman Club and was a life member of the North American Fishing Club, National Hot Rod Association, and the Miller Park Zoological Society. He was involved with Ducks Unlimited, the National Street Rod Association, Streets of Thunder, and the Street Rod Club of Pekin. Above all, Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man. He loved his family more than anything. He was immensely proud of his daughters and loved them with all his heart. He looked forward to walking Shena down the aisle and celebrating her master’s degree graduation and Golden Apple recognition. He shared a deep love of art and poetry with Shena, and together they served at the House of Hope. Chuck often fondly recalled the joy of learning about Christina’s pregnancies, including the surprise triplets, and took great pride in Christina, Corey, and all his amazing grandchildren. Chuck also held a special place in his heart for his niece Bethany Harlan, and her children, treasuring every visit and moment spent together. He dearly loved his Robein School family and cherished his time as a substitute teacher, often coming home eager to share stories from his day. He kept every note and drawing given to him by students, holding each one close as a reminder of the joy they brought him. Chuck also deeply loved his Red Cross family in Peoria and Peru and was known for bringing snacks and drinks for his coworkers. He valued his time with the Fraternal Order of Police and Sheriffs Benevolent Association, where he enjoyed reconnecting with the extended family from the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. In accordance with Chuck’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal services are planned at this time. The family may host a wiener roast and bonfire at a later date in his honor, as he loved nothing more than having people gathered together. Please visit the Facebook group “Memories with Chuck ‘Charlie (CW)’ Friend” to share your stories, photos, and memories of Chuck. As the family navigates this next chapter without him, any future service date or celebration of life will be shared in that group when plans are finalized. Chuck was a man who never sought recognition yet truly deserved it. He was a devoted public servant, an extraordinary father, husband, grandfather, and friend, and someone who spent his life providing for and protecting others, right up to his final moments. He would do anything for anyone, whether friend, family, foe, or stranger, and never expected anything in return. He will never be forgotten and leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community he served so faithfully. Chuck was a pillar of the community, known for his kindness and dedication. His family now faces the daunting challenge of managing significant expenses without his support. From medical bills to home repairs, the financial burden is overwhelming. Lisa, his wife, is on disability, and Shena, his daughter, is juggling college and work while dealing with medical debt. They need our help to navigate this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly to them and provide much-needed relief. Your support can make a real difference as they try to find their footing. Thank you for considering this. Donate to the Go Fund Me page, Honoring Chuck Friend's Legacy and Supporting His Family, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-chuck-friends-legacy-and-supporting-his-family Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Charles "Chuck" Friend

April 5, 1951 - December 17, 2025