Charles P. O'Donnell

Charles P. O'Donnell. Age 89 of Des Plaines. Beloved husband of the late Linda, nee Brooks. Loving father of Charles Patrick Jr. (Sai), Stephen Gerard (Rose), Kathleen (Crickett Schach) Guzman and Patricia Ann (Steve) Patke. Devoted grandfather of Casey (Derek) Brenner, Kaitlin Kelley, Dylan (Anetka) Guzman, Brad Morris, Brendan and Brianna O'Donnell, Jasmine Orlando and Noah Presto. Great-grandfather of Olivia and Liam. Dear brother of Patricia Ann Holochwost. Visitation Wednesday, June 21, 4-8 p.m., at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Family and friends will meet on Thursday for a 10 a.m. funeral mass at St. Norbert Church, 1809 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Private interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, http://www.stjude.org, are appreciated.

Charlie served his Lord and this world for as long as he has walked this earth.  He actively practiced his religion and lived as a man of faith and compassion.  He took very little from those he knew but instinctively gave to those in need and shared the word of God to all who would listen.

The son of Irish immigrants, Charlie lost his father at the age of 2 and was raised by his young mother. Charlie ran cross country in college on scholarship, ran after Lindy and made her his wife of 64 years and he ran after his 4 children – all born within five years.

Charlie was a Deacon and worked with the Archdiocese of Chicago for over 40 years.  He mentored many incoming Deacons and he oversaw marriages, baptisms and grave site services.  He was a man of service not only to the strangers who became friends but to his beautiful wife and children.

In his final days he laughed and recalled stories of a life well lived.  He prayed to Jesus and asked Jesus to bring him home.  He told those around him that he had the most beautiful life and how blessed he had been.  In his last moments he asked for Jesus to protect his children and for them to all be kind to one another.  Even in death he prayed for others. He was the perfect example of a life lived well in the light and grace of a powerful and forgiving Lord.

What a magnificent man you were – walk in peace Charlie.

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