Charles "Chuck" M. Schalz

National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Nominee, Charles “Chuck” Martin Schalz passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and a dear friend, after an unexpected illness early Sunday (Nov. 6) morning. It is a great loss for all of his friends and especially his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sharon (Dannenberg) Schalz. He was a proud father to Mary (Schalz) Ihnenfeld (Craig) and Stephanie Schalz Morrison (Chris). He was blessed and devoted to his 3 loving fishing buddies (grandchildren) Micalena Morrison (9), Nathan Ihnenfeld (5) and AnnaLea Ihnenfeld (3). Also survived by his siblings Anita Wrona; John and Ok Hui Schalz; and Margaret “Peg” and Tom Lentz. He will also be dearly missed by many brother and sister in-laws and nieces and nephews and all of their families. Chuck will be deeply missed by many devoted friends who loved him instantly, too many to count. Lastly, Chuck is survived by his best buddy, Fisher, his golden retriever, who he spoiled rotten and took everywhere with him. Chuck was greeted joyfully in Heaven by his son, John Howard Schalz and his mother, Anna Schalz, who had a hot pan of Kugula waiting for him. Also waiting was his father, John Schalz and his best friend (and his brother from another mother) Dick Franzen, with baited fishing poles and the boat full of gas at the dock for him to be able to finally see his son catch a fish for the first time. After fishing, he met up with the rest of the family, his dear friends, and all his dogs for his famous fish fry! As you can tell, Chuck LOVED to fish from a very young age. He also loved boating, photography and everything to do with nature. Chuck was a devoted Boys Scouts, going on to lead many Boy Scouts troops, even though he only had daughters. He was a member of the Lucky 50 Club for over 50 years. He was blessed to find beautiful Geneva Lake (WI) in his mid-30s. He fished the lake for over 30 years, making a 2nd home there (Williams Bay, WI) and meeting so many life-long friends. Because of his love for Geneva Lake, he became involved in Walleye’s for Tomorrow. He helped to restock Geneva Lake with millions of baby Walleye’s, to help ensure that his little fishing buddies would have Walleye’s to catch some day. He also turned his love for fishing into a career later in life, become a fishing guide on Geneva Lake, Chuck’s Fishing Guide Service. He loved to teach adults and kids the joy and fun of fishing. Many of his clients adored Chuck and were always booking more trips with him. As he would say, “I remembered what my dad taught me to have fun, get relaxed, and catch fish.” A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at Annunciation Church (1820 Church Rd, Aurora, IL) at 11:00 am. Fr. Bill Zavaski will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church Friday morning, November 11, 2016 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506. Please w visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Chuck’s family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharon Schalz, who will then divide the money to Chuck’s favorite organizations and charities.

Charles "Chuck" M. Schalz

November 12, 1947 - November 6, 2016