Charlie Dannels

Charlie Dannels, a beloved Father, Grandfather & Husband, passed away December 4, 2022, at his home in the care of his family and Mercy Hospice. Visitation will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna with a funeral service to follow at 4 p.m.

He was born Charles Eugene Noble on September 14, 1939, to Charles and Mabel (Haas) Noble. After his father passed away in July, 1947, he was adopted, along with his sisters Nancy and Betsy, when Mabel married Ambrose Dannels. The marriage brought him two new brothers, Jim & Joe Dannels.

Charlie attended Savanna Schools and graduated with the class of 1957 where they wrote “He was a good sport, full of fun and a pal to everyone.” He served in the US Army from 1957 – 1959. Charlie met the love of his life, Peggy Jones, when according to him he “was playing baseball in Hanover and saw a pretty farm girl across the way”. They celebrated their wedding August 31, 1963. Charlie and Peggy enjoyed raising four children, Chuck, Jeff, Cheri and Jen.

Charlie worked for the Milwaukee, Soo Line and Canadian Pacific Railroads as a conductor and switchman, then ended his career as the Yardmaster at Nahant in Davenport, IA. He also owned and operated the Gulf Gas Station, Sears Catalog Store and Dannels Telephone, all in Savanna.

Charlie's ongoing passion was tinkering on his farm, south of Savanna, raising animals, growing a garden, dabbling in wine making and more. The farm was a lifelong dream remembered from the time spent on his father, Charles Noble's, farm as a boy.

He was well known for hosting an annual lamb roast for friends and family and in later years became known as the Pumpkin Man to a multitude of preschoolers who used to come on school field trips. He had a quick wit and liked using humor and charm. At home, he was never far from a crossword puzzle, spider solitaire or peanuts. He followed local sports, especially wrestling, and followed closely when his kids were involved. Charlie took up photography and asked to take pictures for the Times-Journal at the state wrestling tournament.

Many of you will remember Charlie on the winning end of the pool table, sitting in the bleachers at his son's wrestling meets, fishing on the Mississippi or hunting on local lands. He was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge and the Community United Church of Christ.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy of Savanna, IL; four children, Chuck (Christi) Dannels of Edwardsville, IL, Jeff (Carrie) Dannels of Fishkill, NY, Cheri Dannels of New York, NY and Jen (Tony) Carberry of Urbandale, IA; four grandchildren, Nathan (Chloe) Dannels, Ryan (Sarah) Dannels, Megan Dannels and Charlotte Whittle; and two great grandchildren, Memphis & Carolina; two siblings Nancy (Marvin) Johnson of Miles, IA and Jim (Shelly) Dannels, Cochise County, AZ; and many nieces & nephews and family friends, including Wendy Westerman and Rosina Crotts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents- in- law, Lester & Vivian Jones; a sister, Betsy Frankel; and a brother, Joe Dannels.

To honor Charlie’s memory, please make a donation to the Community United Church of Christ, 346 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL 61074.