Charles passed away Tuesday evening September 07, 2010 at Swedish American Hospital, peacefully, after a struggle with lung cancer.
Born to Lester and Christina (Haugh) Elkin on June 27, 1929 at Punxsytawney, Pennsylvania. His mother became crippled with polio, and with his father working far away and his sister leaving to get married, it became Charles duty (at the age of 12) to care for his mother, learning to bake and cook.
He graduated from Scott High School in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 1948. He worked in the steel mills before serving two years in the US Army, stationed primarily in Japan and Okinawa as a surgical technician.
After getting out of the service, he made his way to California, stopping in DeKalb, Illinois, to visit a cousin and thereafter established himself in the area as a renowned chef. He was the head chef at the Peasant Room at NIU. He and his wife later opened the Redwood Manor Steakhouse. After retiring, (with a total of over 29 years as a professional chef) he returned to NIU in the maintenance department and remained until retiring.
Charles (Bud) married Shirley Pickwell-Haumeser on August 29, 1964.
Charles was very active in the Golden K and the Horicon Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the York Rite Chapter #52, DeKalb, Sycamore Commandry , Rockford Council #30, and recipient of the enviable York Rite Cross of Honor. He was a member of the Creston United Methodist Church.
He was predeceased by his parents and his wife. Survivors include a nephew Lane (Joyce) Pickwell of Shabbona, Illinois, special friend Carmel Klein, and distant relatives, and many friends.
Memorial services will be at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home at 2pm on Sunday, September 26, 2010 with graveside Masonic Farewell Rites at conclusion of the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to the Charles Elkin Memorial Fund. Proceeds of this fund will be used to install a marker as a tribute to all the masons who served their country in times of conflict as well as peace. It will be placed in a garden at the flagpole in front of the Lodge.
