Frank D. Chalke

Frank “Chalke” D. Chalke, 94, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. He was born on August 15, 1926 in Rockford, IL the son to Albert and Frances (Riley) Cholke. Frank graduated from St. Thomas Catholic High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Frank married the love of his life, Phyllis Russell on April 29, 1946. Frank was a firefighter with the Rockford Fire Department for 37 years. When his own children were young Frank was involved in Boy Scouts. Frank was a generous, loving man that lived a full and happy life. He enjoyed golfing, wood working and most of all his family. He will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Survived by his children, Cindy (Dave) Maynard, David Chalke and Russell Chalke; special niece, Collene Chalke; grandchildren, Dr. Carri Hill, Brad (Dawn) Maynard, Eric (Nicole Todd) Bailey, Timothy Bailey, Michael (Kathy) Chalke; special nephew, Joe (Kelly) Wasco; great grandchildren, Nicholas Hill, Riley Hill, Amara Bailey, Kai Bailey, Alex Maynard, Lucien Kranz; sister-in-law, Ruth Chalke VanVeeland; son-in-law, John (Ellen) Gaydos; niece, Joan Peterson; nephews, Paul Johnson, Jeff Johnson; many cousins. Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; son, Timothy; daughter, Martha Gaydos; brother, Albert “Wayne” Chalke. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice, his golfing buddies, his fire department brothers and sisters and his Navy Buddies.
Graveside service will be Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W State St, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VetsRoll.org,, 1777 Gardner St. South Beloit, IL 61080 or do as he did and generously over tip your favorite wait staff/server in his honor. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.