Charles Joseph Spear

Charles Joseph Spear, 1982 - 2026

Charles Joseph Spear, 43, of Leaf River, Illinois, passed away on January 11, 2026. Charles was born on November 2, 1982, in Rockford, Illinois, to Charles B. Spear Jr. and Anne K. Spear (Lauchiskis). Charles graduated from Byron High School, Byron, Illinois, in 2001.

On October 3, 2015, Charles married Monica L. (Miller) at the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, Illoins. Together they built a life centered on family and welcomed their daughter, MaryAnn M. Spear, in 2017. Being her father was one of Charles’s greatest joys.

One of Charles’s favorite memories—one he often spoke about—was a family road trip across the United States to Arizona. Charles made many cherished memories with his brother, Hudson, at the White Pines—exploring the woods, sharing meals in the lodge, and, of course, all the moments at the Pines skating rink. Hudson fondly remembers watching Charles play Nintendo, even though he never quite let him have a turn. Charles loved riding his motorcycle around the Homestead, working with his hands through carpentry projects, playing his harmonica, and spending time outdoors with his buddies. Nothing made him prouder than teaching his daughter how to drive the tractor—moments that perfectly reflected his patience, pride, and love.

Charles will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his brother, Hudson Spear; sister-in-law, Tonya Miller (Jonathan Kirchhof); Jordan Miller (Shannon Leak); nieces, Adriana Miller and Dixie Leak; nephew, Barrett Kirchhof; and aunts, Sandy Wetter and Pam Wetter (Jerry).

Service Information

A celebration of Charles’s life will be held on March 28th, 1:00p-4:00p, at the Bertolet Memorial Foundation, 103 W Second St, Leaf River, IL 61047.

Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the life Charles lived and the love he gave so freely.

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe has been established to help support Charles’s family during this difficult time and to assist with expenses following his passing. Those who wish to contribute or share the fundraiser may do so by visiting https://givesendgo.com/GMW49?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=GMW49 or by donating at any Solutions Bank to the "Chuck Spears Memorial Fund." The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness.