Charles R. Zehren

Charles R. 'Chuck' Zehren, 88, of Pekin passed away 6:55 am Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin. Chuck was born on April 27, 1920 in Flanagan, IL to Karl C. and Ora (Gingrich) Zehren. He married Mary A. Carroll in 1945. She died on June 11, 2008. Surviving are: two daughters, M. Carroll (and Richard) Carroll of Brimfield, IL and Sandra E. (and Robert) Spradlin of Brownstown, MI; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Chuck graduated from Flanagan High School, and attended Illinois State University. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with three bronze stars. He was employed at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, IL prior to and after military service. He met his wife, Mary at State Farm. They moved to Peoria and then to Pekin over 50 years ago. They owned and operated the Princess Caf in Pekin for many years. It was well known as a downtown business for breakfasts and lunch and an afternoon gathering place for high school students in the 1950's. He then became a realtor with Monge Real Estate. Over the years he was affiliated with several other Pekin real estate agencies as a real estate broker. He also had been active as a rental property manager for an additional 25 years. Chuck was a member of William Schaefer Post 44 American Legion and Elks Lodge #1241. He was a former member of the Pekin Jaycees and Pekin Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed working with people, wood working and tinkering in his shop. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.