Charles J. “Chuck” Eighner, 59, of Somonauk, IL, passed away Monday, September 18, 2023, at his home next to his beloved wife. He was born October 28, 1963, in Danville, IL, the son of Richard Eighner and Elizabeth Scullin. He married the love of his life, Amy L. James, aka “Lucky -to-be-married-to-me,” on July 8, 1995, in Las Vegas, NV, and spent 28 years building their life together. Their love was so great, Amy donated one of her kidneys to Chuck in 2009, so he could continue to fulfill his dream of taking care of those who had passed on, serving their families, and watching his sons grow into manhood. Chuck was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, a proud Cornjerker at Hoopeston East Lynn High School, Class of 1982, where he played football and wrestled, and was a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1992. He was past President of the Sandwich Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, past board member of Sandwich Kiwanis, past board member of Fox Valley Community Services, and past president of the Somonauk Wrestlers Club. Chuck co-owned Eighner Funeral Homes with his wife for 22 years, where his perfectionist personality shined through. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed trying his luck at the casinos. He was an avid Cubs (and was lucky enough to witness the 2016 World Series Championship win), Bears, and Fighting Illini fan. Chuck enjoyed wrestling at all levels, even going to state himself. One of his proudest moments was seeing his son, Kyle, win a match at state and watching him graduate from Western Illinois University. One of his happiest moments was in 2000 when he received the best birthday present, his son Zachary. He became Chuck’s clone, and a “chip off the old block.” They shared a birthday celebration every year since. And he was so pleased that Zachary loves working with people like he did, and has excelled in his newly chosen profession. His greatest love of all was spending time with family and friends.
Chuck leaves behind his wife, Amy Eighner of Somonauk, IL; his sons, Kyle Eighner (Hallie Miller) of Sandwich, IL, and Zachary Eighner (Isabelle Lyons) of Earlville, IL; his brothers, Darrin (Karen) Eighner of Rankin, IL, and Eric (Lauri) Cunningham of Ridge Farm, IL; four cousins and their spouses, who were like siblings to him, Sherri (David) Cox of Paxton, IL, Debbie (Les) Symmonds of Rankin, IL, Michael (Leisa) Eighner of Camden, TN, and Mark (Robin) Eighner of Rankin, IL; his aunt, Jean Eighner of Hoopeston, IL; his mother-in-law, Sharon James of Virden, IL; his brother-in-law, Andrew (Natasha) James of Springfield, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and Thumper, Chuck’s lapdog and faithful companion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his great niece, Tenley Jo Eighner, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his Frenchies, Rocky “Old Boy,” and Sadie Lou.
Friends are invited to visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 29, 2023, at the funeral home in Somonauk, IL, with Pastor Chris Schoon and Pastor Derek Johnson officiating. Friends are also invited to visit from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home (owned by Chuck’s nephew and niece, Kendall and K’Lee Cox), 142 W. Patton St. in Paxton, IL. The visitation will be followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Schoon officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his father, “Dick” Eighner, at Rankin Union Cemetery in Rankin, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL, Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin, IL, or the charity of one’s choice. In addition, Chuck would appreciate anyone signing up to be an organ donor, and designating it on their driver’s license, since Amy’s donation gave him the gift of additional years of life. For more information, to sign the online guest book, or to leave a great Chuck story or joke, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Pallbearers will be Mike Eighner, Mark Eighner, Dave Cox, Les Symmonds, Brad Burton, Jack Grove, Shawn Young, Scott Spartz, Pete Rosa, and Bob Dabbert. Honorary Pallbearers will be Les Banks, Ron Rogers, Leo Lossett, and Mike Hakeman.
