Charles Owen Bickelhaupt

.Charles Owen Bickelhaupt, born November 2, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Allure Nursing Home of Mt. Carroll, IL. A funeral service with Masonic Rites will be held Monday, January 19 at 11 a.m., at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday January 18, at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to Monday’s service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Mt. Carroll, IL. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church, or Allure of Mt. Carroll. Family and friends can watch the funeral service at https://www.facebook.com/groups/893297843248663

Charlie was the son of Glenn and Harriet (Owen) Bickelhaupt, who instilled in him the values of hard work and devotion to both land and community. Charlie graduated from Mount Carroll High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1962, while living at Illidell ag fraternity. During his time at the university, he was a member of the 1961 Livestock Judging Team, where he placed in the top five high individuals at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition; an achievement that brought him great pride.

His passion for livestock evaluation continued throughout his life as he judged countless 4‑H shows, county fairs, and state fairs across the Midwest. He believed deeply that showing livestock taught young people invaluable lessons: a strong work ethic, the importance of setting goals, and the grace required to handle both success and disappointment.

On July 12, 1970, Charlie married Arlene Henning, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Huntley, IL. Together, they celebrated 55 years of marriage and brought a son and a daughter into this world. As the years passed, his joy only grew as he watched his grandchildren carry on the family’s agricultural legacy, and achieve their own personal successes.

A lifelong crop and cattle farmer, Charlie devoted himself to caring for his family’s land, known as Bickelhaupt Herefords. He took great comfort in knowing the land would endure long after his time on earth. He’s surely smiling down from heaven as his family continues to work that same soil, just as he once did. Some of his fondest memories were watching his children and grandchildren exhibit livestock, earning awards at the local, state, and national levels.

Charlie loved God, America, and family above all else. He was a dedicated member of the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church, a more than 50‑year member of the Cyrus Masonic Lodge #188, and a past Master Mason. He also served as a former member and past district director of the Illinois Hereford Association and as a precinct committeeman for the Carroll County Republicans, and in the U.S. Army National Guard, in the 1960’s

Charlie’s legacy lives on in the land he cherished, the family he adored, and the countless young people he encouraged through livestock judging and mentorship. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Arlene; son, John (Julie) Bickelhaupt, of Mt. Carroll; daughter, Jane (Randall) Adolph, of Mt. Carroll; grandchildren, Haley Bickelhaupt, Trevor (Emma) Bickelhaupt, Ty (Madi) Bickelhaupt, Tessa Adolph, and Nicki Adolph; four sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Harriet, and two brothers-in-law.