Charles F. Rolinski

Charles F. Rolinski, 76, of Groveland, passed away at 12:33am, Saturday, November 29, 2014 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born November 22, 1938 in Streator to Charles James and Katheryn Isbell Meredith Rolinski, of LaRose. Surviving are family members Howard Meredith of Chenoa, Sue Ann Meredith of Round Lake, Jason (Kim) Meredith of Round Lake Beach, Julie Meredith of Chenoa, Tanna (Ralph) Krey, Michaele (Tom) Webber, Michael (Kerry) Leighton, all of Princeville, and Marc (Heather) Leighton of Peoria, Tanya Drummond of Princeville and Jama (Dennis) Whetstone of Bartonville; and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a cousin, Kenneth Camp. Charles graduated from LaRose Community High School in 1956. In 1960, he received his Bachelor of Education from Illinois State University, and in 1970 he received his Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. From 1956-1960, he served in the Peace Corps in Blantyre, Nyasaland, Africa. He began his teaching career in Marengo as a speech and US history teacher. Charles went on to teach at Pekin Community High School, Spalding Academy, and Richwoods High School and then spent 26 years at Illinois Central College as a speech professor. He retired from ICC in 2001 but continued teaching there part-time, as well as at Bradley University until 2011. He was a member of the Dingledine Society at ICC and of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pekin. At ICC he participated in the Readers’ Theatre and was Director of the Drama Club’s productions. Charles got great enjoyment from musicals, plays, and classic movies, and very much enjoyed taking friends and family out to dinner. His wit, humor, and wonderful stories will be missed. Friends and relatives are asked to gather at a reception to celebrate Charles’ life and honor his love of a good story over dinner from 5:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Meadow Valley Center at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. A toast in his honor will conclude the reception at 7:00pm. Inurnment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Father Tim Nolan will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ICC Education Fund. Charles’ memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.

Charles F. Rolinski

November 22, 1938 - November 29, 2014