Charles Michael Valentine

December 14, 1937 – January 19, 2026

Charles “Chuck” Valentine passed away after a dauntless, nearly two‑year battle with cancer. Each day, he faced his illness with strength and determination, setting meaningful goals that gave his loved ones more precious time with him.

Chuck was the beloved son of Rudy and Annette Valentine.

On September 6, 1958, he married the love of his life, Anita Graciana, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Rockford, Illinois. Together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage. Longtime members of St. Bernadette Parish, they raised their family and nurtured their faith there. Anita will love him always and forever.

Chuck had a remarkable gift for putting people at ease in any situation. In retirement, he cherished time spent with family, playing cards with his siblings, and golfing at Ingersoll Golf Course. Their home in Pleasant Lake, Wisconsin, and their time in Pass Christian, Mississippi, held many of his fondest memories. He was an especially devoted Nano and Big Nano who delighted in making Snoopy pancakes with his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. He faithfully attended his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, often travelling for hours to be present for his family.

Professionally, Chuck began his career as a staff accountant at National Lock Co. and retired as Vice President of Finance at Barber‑Colman Co. He was an active member of the Venetian Club, St. Ambrosio Society, Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Anita, and their children: Chuck and Mary; Mike and Diane; Frank and Lisa; and Mary Ann and Jim McGee.

He was a proud grandfather to Marissa and Ben Scragg; Meredith and Tim Zakrzewski; Joseph Valentine and Linda Kovac; Alex Valentine; Tom and Rochelle Valentine; Andrew Valentine; Sarah and Jason Berg; Emily and Cole Timmerwilke; Mary and Justin Schwamberger; Anna, Jimmy, and Maggie McGee; and Matt Elliott.

His great‑grandchildren include Eliza Scragg; Oliver and Max Zakrzewski; Everett, Ryland, Aevie, and Isla Valentine; and Edith Timmerwilke.

Chuck is also survived by his siblings Judy and Rich Turcato, John and Mary Ann Valentine, and Joe and Kathy Graciana.

The family extends a special thank‑you to Dr. Kratz and his nurse Angie for their constant care and compassion, and to his cousin and chess partner, Gary Kardell, for his companionship and support during Chuck’s long battle.

A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103, with a visitation prior to Mass from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Entombment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Boylan Catholic High School, and Northern Illinois Hospice