4/14/1931-2/15/2024
Charles A. Simokaitis died peacefully on February 15, 2024 in Glenview, IL.
Charlie, beloved son of Francis and Constance (Nee Ladish), brother of
Frank, Joe, Bill, Maryann, Tony, John and Helen. He was raised in St.
Louis, MO where he attended St. Pius Grade school and St. Mary's High
School. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia, (nee
Walker) his sister Maryann Retkowski (Rich), son Charlie Jr. (Jennifer) and
daughter Christine, three grandchildren, Caleb, Elijah, and Faye, 34 nieces
and nephews, and his devoted cat, Earl. He was a lifelong Catholic and
served in Korea, experiencing combat, with the Army's 84th Engineer
Construction Battalion responsible for the construction of the Libby Bridge
over the Imjin River.
Before being drafted, Charlie took night classes at Washington University in
St. Louis while working as a conductor on the Missouri Pacific Railroad
during the day. Upon his return from overseas, he moved to Chicago where
he began his long career in advertising, working on accounts such as
Volkswagen, Nissan, Subaru and Miller Beer. He loved golf, skiing, travel,
cocktails, and his family - not necessarily in that order. For several years he
served as Scoutmaster for Pack 240 in Park Ridge as well as head coach
with Park Ridge Youth Soccer. He was active with Park Ridge VFW Post
3579 and the Korean Veterans Association and proud of his service as
Commander and member of the Color Guard.
Visitation and Funeral will be held on Thursday February 22 at All Saints
Episcopal Church 4550 North Hermitage in Chicago (ample parking on
Wilson and Ravenswood Avenues). from 1:30PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.
Charlie will be interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery 20953 Hoff Road, Elwood, IL. on Friday February 23 at 11:00 AM.

Gifts or donations in honor of Charles may be directed to The VFW
Foundation. https://www.vfw.org/foundation.