Harry Robert “Bob” Charneski

Harry R. Charneski was born on November 7, 1946, to Harry J. and Virginia Charneski. He was one of three children, alongside his brother, Ronald, and sister, Letha. Throughout his life, everyone knew him simply as “Bob.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Savanna Fireman’s Honor Guard will assist. Inurnment will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Savanna, where military honors will be accorded. 

Bob graduated from Savanna High School in 1965. While in high school, he worked alongside his father at the Conoco Service Station. In 1966, Bob was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served for two years, including one year in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Melody, on June 29, 1968. Together, they built a life filled with love and welcomed two daughters, Cindy and Tammy.

That same year, Bob began volunteering with the Savanna Fire Department, proudly following in his father’s footsteps. While serving as a volunteer firefighter, he continued working at the Conoco Service Station until 1977, when he accepted a full-time position with the fire department. He continued working part-time at the station until his father-in-law retired in 1981.

Bob dedicated much of his life to serving his community through the fire department. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming Lieutenant and Training Officer in 1981, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire/Arson Investigator in 1988, and a member of the Carroll County 911 Board in 1990. In 1991, he proudly became Fire Chief. He was especially proud to say that he was following in the footsteps of his father-in-law.

As Fire Chief, Bob was passionate about fire safety and education. He provided fire-safety training to countless individuals, including children at local schools, often utilizing the Carroll County Safety House. He also played an important role in helping establish the 911 system for Carroll County while serving on the Carroll County 911 Board.

After many years of dedicated service, Bob retired from the fire department in January 2001. Retirement, however, did not slow him down for long. His strong work ethic led him to a position at the local elementary school, where he worked as a recess and lunchroom attendant. He also enjoyed working for J & M Fireworks Company, where he had the opportunity to do something he truly enjoyed—shooting off fireworks for local communities.

Throughout his lifetime, Bob was a proud member of several organizations, including St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the V.F.W., American Legion, Pope & Young Big Game Club, Savanna Fire Department Honor Guard, and the Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois Fireman Association.

Outside of work and his many community commitments, Bob loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. As the years went by, he found himself more often taking pictures of the wildlife than reaching for his shotgun. He loved being surrounded by nature, whether sitting in his tree stand, out on his boat, or spending time with his beloved dog, Lacey.

Bob was also very proud of the home he built with Melody. He could often be found cleaning his vehicles, working around the house, or simply enjoying the life they had created together. Above all, Bob treasured his family. He was immensely proud of his five grandchildren—Ashley Huebner, Haley Huebner, Shelby Teachout, Emily Teachout, and James Thulen—and was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Scarlette, Addilynn, Jace, Lilliana, and August. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his family and create memories with them.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry J. and Virginia Charneski; his brother, Ronald; and his beloved dog, Lacey.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of service, hard work, family, and love for his community. He gave many years of his life to protecting and helping others, and he took great pride in the people and places he cared for.

Bob wanted everyone to remember this:

“When I go to meet with God, don’t be sad. Feel happy for me. Life is a privilege that we all have to earn and make the best of. I can only hope that I lived my life the way God wanted me to.”