With heavy hearts, we share that Charles “Chuck” Henle passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 11 AM until the time of the service. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. He was born on May 21, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Dorothy Henle. Chuck was raised in Chicago and later attended Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. On December 27, 1959, he married the love of his life, Ann Turner, in Belvidere, IL. Chuck began his career with United States Gypsum Company, where his hard work, leadership, and dedication led him to retire early as Director of Regional Sales. He and Ann made their home in Naperville, IL, where they lived for 25 years and raised their two daughters, Cathie Henle-Lewis and Carole Shutts. Following his early retirement, Chuck and Ann followed their entrepreneurial spirit and opened the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Galena. For 20 years, they poured their hearts into the business, creating long-lasting friendships and sweet memories with everyone who walked through their doors. In his later years, Chuck continued to share his energy, warmth, and humor by helping at Cathie and Dave’s store, Great American Popcorn Co., where he loved handing out samples and bantering with customers. He quickly became a local favorite — known to many as “Chocolate Charlie,” or the “popcorn sample man”. To his family, though, he was so much more: a loving father, proud grandpa, and adoring great grandpa. Chuck cherished time spent with family and friends, loved fishing, and was always ready with a warm smile and one of his famously terrible jokes. He is survived by his two daughters, Cathie Henle-Lewis (David) and Carole Shutts, both of Galena; four grandchildren, CW2 Andrew Koenig of Rochelle, Victoria Manley (Jason) of Galena, Zachary Lewis of Galena, and 1LT Brett Shutts of Clarksville, TN; and seven great-grandchildren, Connor Lewis, Brantley Koenig, Madeline Koenig, Amelia Lewis, William Lewis, Charlotte Manley, and Noah Manley. He is also survived by his brother William “Bill” Henle (Lee-Ann) of Quartzsite, AZ. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Ann, brother-in-law Lt. Col. Ronald D. Turner, and sister-in-law Susan Turner. Chuck leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will continue to warm the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Ann, hand in hand once again. A heartfelt thank you to Ramona Carvajal for her many years of dedication and commitment to the care of Chuck. A special thank you to the Galena Fire Department, Galena EMS, Galena Police Department, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Department, East Dubuque Fire Department, and the staff at Midwest Medical Center for their kindness and care.
Charles R. “Chuck” Henle
