Name: Visitation for Charles H. "Chuck" Wenk
Start: 2013-08-05T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-08-05T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home & Crematory

Wenk, Charles H. "Chuck" 88, of Lake Bluff, passed away August 1, 2013. Certain names bring a smile to most people's faces: Frank Sinatra, Jonathon Winters, Ernie Banks, Chuck Wenk. For everybody that knew him, Chuck Wenk was the guy they wanted to have lunch with, because it meant guaranteed laughs, great conversation and you knew you had no chance to grab the check before he did. His remarkably successful 65-year insurance career, first leading the Prudential in life insurance sales 4 different years, and then becoming a pioneer in aviation insurance, (after falling in love with flying his own plane in the early 1960s), are almost an afterthought to all of his other pursuits and accomplishments. After graduating from Senn High School in 1943, he served as a surgical technician for three years on an Army rescue ship, the S.S. Bienville. He returned to graduate with a journalism degree from the University of Illinois, and went right to work at the Milwaukee Journal. His father, Sam Wenk, was a Prudential agent, and tried to bring Chuck into the business, but the young Wenk couldn't imagine any job where you had to ask people for money. But by 1949, he too joined the Prudential, and was named one of "Chicago's 10 Outstanding Young Men" in 1958. Somehow, he managed to live what seems like 5 or 6 lives. He was an Eagle Scout and later Scoutmaster of Troop 820 in Chicago, and throughout the 1950s, after meeting White Sox broadcaster Bob Elson, he soon became Elson's statistician and a third radio voice to Elson and Don Wells on WCFL. After moving his young family up to Highland Park in 1954, Chuck and his college pal Clayton Rautbord realized that there were no Chinese restaurants along the North Shore, and they missed their favorite downtown spot, "The Shangri la", so they decided to open a Chinese carryout, as a hobby. It did so well that naturally they had to expand to a full-service restaurant called "Charlie Wenk's Teahouse". The bar was always open at Charlie Wenk's, but difficulty communicating with the cooks made it more than a hobby, and when they sold the restaurant to the Chinn family, it freed up a little bit of time, to become a pilot. It takes many people years to become licensed, but it took Chuck less than three months, as he flew every morning before work, without telling his wife Gail about it. Instead, as soon as he got his license, he brought Gail out to the airport, and bragged to her that he could fly that little Cessna parked by the flight office, and good sport that Gail always was, she went up with him and soon realized he knew what he was doing. In fact, he was an excellent pilot, who could land the plane so smoothly you didn't know you were on the ground. A week later, Gail began flying lessons and obtained her license too. It opened up another "life", as the family flew their little plane to Cooperstown, NY and Florida, and added a third pilot when daughter Wendy got her license at 21. Gov. Thompson named Chuck to the Illinois Board of Aeronautical Advisors, and he would fly his plane to the monthly meetings in Springfield. From the time he was editor of the Daily Illini at school, to his latest Pioneer Press column this week, Chuck Wenk's columns appeared first in the Lerner Papers, then the Highland Park Star, William Rentschler's papers, and for the last two decades, in the Pioneer Press. As a leader of the "Save Meigs Field" group, his column about preserving the downtown airport ran on the editorial page of the Sun-Times. After he had established himself in the aviation insurance industry, WBBM radio would constantly call Chuck to go on the air explaining how private plane crashes could have occurred, and Chuck would always remind them that the most dangerous part of the flight was the drive to and from the airport. A lifelong animal lover, he couldn't leave a squirrel, rabbit or deer unfed. He donated to every animal charity known to mankind. He loved his dogs, Murray and Noelle, and his bird, Duke, more than you can imagine. Chuck Wenk had no concept of retirement, and came to his office every day till the day he died, on August 1st. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gail (nee Wisch); his two children, Wendy Wenk Deeter and husband Rich Deeter, Wes Wenk and wife Cindy; and 5 grandchildren, PFC Christine Wenk Deeter, Casey Wenk Deeter, Tucker Wenk Deeter, Sam Wenk and Lucy Wenk. A visitation will be held Monday, August 5th from 11 am until time of funeral service 1 pm at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL . In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you toast Chuck with a martini on the rocks with a twist, or your favorite cocktail. For information please call Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at (847) 831-4260 or www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Wenk

24 Entries

August 11, 2013

gail dear lady I remain at 84 my sweet self here in cleveland ohio yuu know that
we shared the "the best years of our lives and yes I will never ever fail to
smile when I think of those years what
fun what memories what a joy
chuck clay,witt,mitchell what a gang !
yes dear gail "tootnie too
my thoought go with you as always
indeed I share your loss for the many year we all had together as pals

RALPH KROHNGOLD 1165 SOM CENTER RD SUITE 111 CLEVELAND OHIO 44124 440
683 1200 CLLEVELAND OHIO

Tim Lippert

August 7, 2013

Wendy & Wes: A true judge of a man's worth and value is in the reflection that his children give and show. You both are shining examples of the wonderful man he was. I only met him a handful of times, but it was always a real treat. He's already got a plane warmed up and waiting for the rest of us, and I look forward to seeing him again in eternity.

Paul Cohen - Insurance

August 6, 2013

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. Memories keep those we love close to us forever.

August 5, 2013

Mr. Wenk, as I knew him, was one of the nicest people I ever met. His smile was infectious and his commitment to aviation safety (and fun) was without equal.

Have already had the Martini in his honor!

My every best wish to all the Wenk/Deeter family.

Terry johnson
Chicago

August 4, 2013

Everyone seemed to know and love Chuck Wenk! I haven't seen him in decades, but his name still makes me smile. He waa a great guy who embraced life and lived it fully. May his memory be a comfort to Gail, Wes and Wendy.
- Nancy Keats Frankel

The Cichon Family

August 4, 2013

My parents bought life insurance policies for themselves and all us kids from Mr. Wenk back in the 1950's and 60's. Fifty years later, our family still is doing business with Wenk Insurance. What a wonderful man he was! I recall getting a birthday card from him as a child each year, signed in his large handwriting, "Congratulations! Chuck Wenk." I had no idea who he was, but it made me feel so special to get mail! This kind of businessman no longer exists, and it's evident his sincerity, honesty, and personal touch is what made him so successful. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Wenk and his family. It was an honor to know him.

Rick Gross

August 4, 2013

Dear Wes and Wendy. I'm so sorry to learn about your father's passing. I remember your mom and dad visiting Wes and I at Jackpine. He was a really swell guy. Rick & Nora, Wylie and Jacky Gross / Naples, Florida

August 4, 2013

CHUCK WAS A FANTASTIC GUY. I KNOW HIM AND HIS FAMILY MOST OF MY LIFE. LOVE TO THEM ALL. CHUCK
WILL BE REMEMBERED FOREVER. ROGER BLOCK (BETH).

Leslie Malcolm

August 4, 2013

My Heart goes out to all of you tonight. I will have a drink for Chuck tonight. I realized I have known Chuck for 40 years. Some of those years he Sponsored my Softball team. Of course he had to Coach too. I'm surprised he didn't try to "pinch hit" for us at times. We had a lot of good memories there. I will always remember. Gail, Wes, Wendy my thoughts are with all of you at this time. He was "one of a kind". I will miss him too.

August 4, 2013

Knowing and working with a very special person for over 48 years is not a relationship that most people will be fortunate to have... I have!
Chuck is a legend in my mind of a man who had a gift of making one feel of value... he will be sorely missed.

To Gail, Wes, Wendy and extended family our deepest regrets.
Ken & Karen Day

August 4, 2013

Tom and I met Chuck on our dog walks and loved our conversations with him. (We'll never forget the story of Noelle and the meat loaf!) Although we didn't know him well, we knew Chuck well enough to know that he was a very special person -- a major force in a family filled with energy and love of life. We will miss his smile and send our love to Gail and the entire family.
Tom and Sue Heintz

Kent Kormylo

August 4, 2013

Chuck was a great American and a dear friend that I've known for 40 years. His exploits in aviation lead me to choose a career in aviation .

Darryl Angelico

August 3, 2013

I started my 42 year insurance career with Chuck held up as an example of the success the insurance business could bring to a new rookie. No doubt his insurance career was just one of many of his life's successes. I am so glad to have known Chuck, and my condolences go out to his entire extended family.

John and Daun Roth and Family

August 3, 2013

Chuck made us feel welcomed the moment we moved to Carlyle Circle. It has been a gift knowing such a charismatic, intelligent and giving person. There will be so many things that bring back happy memories of Chuck for us - softball, football, $2.00 bills, your Noelle and our Noelle, and trick or treat martinis at Halloween. Our hearts go out to Gail, Wes, Wendy and all the family. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Daun Roth

August 3, 2013

It has been our luck to have Chuck as a neighbor. He always made us feel included, welcomed and we have been privileged to be near someone with such amazing intelligence and charisma. Whenever we see a $2.00 bill we will remember Chuck! Thanks for sharing him with us Gail, Wes and Wendy and family.

The John Roth Family

Susan Anderson

August 3, 2013

Heartfelt thoughts for the Wenk family. I worked at the Nite N Gale restaurant with Marvin for many years and have such fond memories. Thinking of you.

David Munroe

August 3, 2013

Dear Gail and family,
I'm toasting Chuck with one right now, just as I did last we were together at Steve and Elaine's party in Gabriel's lower level a few years ago, where I, with tongue in cheek, said you looked young enough to be Chuck's daughter! Surely he is up there passing out $2 bills, too busy to rest in peace.
Dave and Fran Munroe,
Bellaire, MI

Susan Brown Burklin

August 3, 2013

I loved reading Chuck's weekly column and will greatly miss it.
I will raise my glass and toast his life, his loves, his achievements and all he was gracious enough to share with his readers;

Jeff Nianick

August 3, 2013

Knowing Chuck and the Wenk family for almost 30 years...I am sure that you are all celebrating his wonderful life...and toasting the immeasurable mark he made on all your lives. He was always one of my favorite guys, right from the day I met him. I always felt better after seeing or talking to Chuck. A great guy...and a total gentlemen. That's just who he was. I will never forget his positive spirit and kindness.

My condolences to Gail, Wes and Wendy...and the entire family. My glass is raised in his honor. Cheers.

Larry Armstrong

August 3, 2013

Wes,
I'll always remember that your dad had a smile on his face and was one of the nicest people I ever met--he's got my toast!

Pat Trunda

August 3, 2013

Wendy, Mrs.Gail, Wes, and the family; No words can express my sorrow for you in these times. God will keep you in his heart. Bless you. pat

August 3, 2013

ALWAYS ENJOYED READING YOUR COLUMN, WHETHER I AGREED WITH YOU OR NOT. WILL MISS YOU NEXT WEEK.

DAVID GREENBERG

Dick Saffro

August 3, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to the Wenk family.

August 3, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family. Find solace in the fact that our Heavenly Father knows what you are going through. He is “greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” (1 John 3:20) Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.

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