Charles M. Flikkema

Charles M. Flikkema, age 92, of Lanark, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Lena Living Center in Lena, IL.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark. Visitation will take place one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lanark Cemetery.

Chuck was born on September 18, 1933, to Marvin and Cora (Holesinger) Flikkema and raised on the family farm near Fulton, Illinois. From a young age, he embraced the rhythms of farm life, helping with chores and milking cows. He attended Fulton Schools and graduated with the Class of 1951 from Fulton High School, where he played the baritone in the band and participated in football.

In 1954, Chuck entered the U.S. Army, serving as a Specialist Third Class. That same year, a blind date arranged by friends introduced him to the love of his life, Nancy. They married on January 7, 1955, and built a strong and enduring partnership that spanned 69 years, raising four children together.

In 1956, after his honorable discharge, Chuck and Nancy moved to Lanark and began their lifelong journey as farmers. Chuck worked tirelessly on his land, first as a dairy farmer and later raising cattle and hogs. Farming wasn’t just his profession, it was his passion. Even into his nineties, he could be found checking in on the farm each morning, never quite stepping away from the life he loved.

Chuck had a unique affinity for animals, from his childhood horse to the many pets his children had growing up. His playful battles with raccoons and chipmunks became family lore. A man of strong values, he was a fair and dependable father, and a joyful grandfather who made childhood magical with laundry basket rides and golf cart adventures.

Above all, Chuck cherished time with Nancy. They were inseparable—always on the move, whether bowling, golfing, traveling (including a memorable trip to Hawaii during the blizzard of 1979), or playing cards and darts. Friends and family knew to call ahead, as the couple was rarely home.

Chuck had a sharp wit and a penchant for one-liners, kept lovingly in check by Nancy. He was a member of the Lanark United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, and served his community as a board member of Jo-Carroll Energy.

He is survived by his four children: Cynthia Haynes of Mt. Juliet, TN; Alan (Rosemary) Flikkema of Lanark; Gregg (Rhonda) Flikkema of Lanark; and Cathy (Bill) Gilman of Lanark; ten grandchildren: Tasha Haynes, Charley Haynes, Jeremy Flikkema, Chris Flikkema, Jon Flikkema, Jessica DeSpain, Brooke Gilman, Courtney Gilman, Jake Gilman, and Colin Gilman; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Dianne Flikkema; as well as two nieces and one nephew.

Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents; his brother, Hubert; and his grandson, Matthew.