Charles Paul Wagner, 83, of Rochelle, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at his home in Rochelle, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 14, 1942, in Elgin, Illinois, the son of Paul and Ruth (Blish) Wagner.

Chuck grew up in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1961. He met the love of his life, Peggy Knaak, in 1964. They were married in 1965 and relocated to Rochelle, Illinois with their 3 daughters in 1973. He earned his associate’s degree from Kishwaukee Community College and worked at Caron International in Rochelle. Chuck retired in 2007 from ServiceMaster in Downers Grove, Illinois after a 30-year career as a Systems Analyst. Chuck was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle.

Throughout his life, Chuck enjoyed golfing, boating, playing cards, reading, and vacationing with Peggy, his children, and grandchildren. His favorite memories were spent in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with all of them. If his children or grandchildren were playing sports or performing, he was always found in the audience. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world, always invested in the details of their lives and sharing his encouragement. Chuck was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. In retirement, he enjoyed driving the bus for the Hub City Senior Center for many years. He was such a loving husband, father, and “Grampy,” creating a family with an incredible bond that will continue his legacy of love.

Charles is survived by his wife, Peggy Wagner; three daughters, Debbie (Vince) O’Brien, Dede (Tim) Ponto, and Wendy (Eric Gruben) Gilbert; grandchildren, Kiley and Kelsey O’Brien, Mallory Ponto, Lauren Ponto, Taylor (Bryce Whitehead) Ponto, and Alex Gilbert; sister, Sherri (Richard) Baumann; brother-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Knaak; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Wagner; his in-laws, Frank and Agatha Knaak; grandsons, Mark and Alexander O’Brien; son-in-law, Erik Gilbert; and brother-in-law, James Knaak.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the Hub City Senior Center in Rochelle or Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois.Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book and view the video tribute.