Visitation Information

Charles Edward Maricich, Sr.

Passed away on December 25, 2024

Charles Edward Maricich, Sr. 

(February 10, 1935--December 25, 2024) 

Charles Edward Maricich, Sr. went home for Christmas on December 25, 2024. Charles (AKA Chuck, Charlie, Pudgy, Dad, Grandpa Maricich) was born at home and raised in South Deering where his family attended St. Kevin’s Church. He was the seventh son of Mary Louise Heck and Eli Maricich, brother of Mike (1918), Mickey (1919), Eli (1921), George (1924), Joseph (1926), and Bobby (1928). 

Charles served in the Armed forces in Okinawa, Japan until November 23, 1956. Soon after, he married Donna Butorac, the mother of his children, Charlie (Kim), Donna, Jeanne (Clyde). He was the proud grandfather of Brett (Cheri), Kyle, Zach, Amanda (Nick), Erica, Samantha (Nick), and Jessica and the great-grandfather of Brooks, Bennett, and Juliet Rose. His companion was Mary Ann Follmer, with whom he shared many adventures. 

Charles worked as a millwright at General Mills for 42 years, where he was basically responsible for the maintenance of the Cheerios equipment. He also served as a union steward and readily volunteered as a taste tester for the Betty Crocker kitchen at the mill. He loved sweets! 

He was a man of unusual hobbies: ventriloquism, Tai Chi, riding all kinds of bicycles, collecting bicycles, flying human-powered vehicles, hang-gliding, watching planes take off and land at Meigs Field in Chicago, reading, and working with his hands. He was always curious about how things worked and took on many projects, such as building bicycles and even hand painting his 1963 Rambler. 

Dad’s greatest joys were eating Gatey’s ice cream with his grandchildren, hearing about his grandchildren, talking on the phone with his grandchildren, and watching old Westerns. He loved ice cream, Cheerios, popsicles, pound cake, Strack & Van Til’s lemonade, blueberry pie, dark chocolate, and Lay’s Potato Chips. 

In the end, Dad was sad that the world had become so hardened and thought that we should focus on the homeless, veterans, less fortunate, and children. He said, “All the kids in the world should have all the cookies and ice cream they want.” So, in honor of Charles and in lieu of flowers, please donate to a local food pantry. Cookies and Cheerios would be great options! 

Charles, Chuck, Charlie, Pudgy, Dad, or Grandpa Maricich, will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, honesty, generosity, and character. He was an avid Catholic and prayed daily for others until his passing and also visited the cemetery daily to honor others. He deeply cared about all people but was somewhat old fashioned in showing affection. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren softened him and definitely brought out the best in him. They were his greatest joy in life. 

Visitation Friday, January 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until time of prayers at 10:30 a.m. at Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL 60617 to Our Lady of Nazareth Church (Formerly Church of the Annunciata). Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. 773-731-2749. www.elmwoodchapel.com.