Obituary of Dr. Charles W. Birch

Dr. Charles W. Birch

Dr. Birch graduated life with High Honors.

He was a mentor, teacher, supporter, coach, and biggest fan for so many students in his 59 years in the public schools. He was always “GLAD TO BE HERE” each and every day and it showed.

More importantly, he was a son, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. 

Charles William Birch was born on August 24, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ethel Birch. He was raised in his beloved home at Calhoun Farms in New Berlin, Wisconsin with his sisters, Catherine (George) Balles, his Irish twin, Jean (Bob) Kissinger, and MaryJo (the late Del) Kaatz. 

He met Lorie Hatten at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, and they married in 1965. They soon welcomed their children, Patrick (Cheryl) Birch, and Courtney (Caleb) Moore. Their greatest joy was being grandparents to Kristen, Katie, Kenzie (Jeff), Kelly (Junior), Avery, Hunter, Gehrig, and Cate. The great-grandchildren are even more special, Reni and Emalyn.

Recently Chuck and Lorie moved to Ottawa, Illinois making it their 13th home that they shared together. Their homes were always welcoming to all, and over the years they opened their doors and hearts to many. If you entered their home as a friend you left as part of the family. In each town where they lived, Dr. Birch made his presence known. He was a friend to all that he met and treated everyone with kindness and compassion. 

The “Fighting Irish” in him took on the recent diagnosis like a champ. This time he had the support of his fans; Cancer is a Birch that’s for sure. Reading each and every message brightened his spirits.

To honor his legacy of caring about the community in lieu of flowers we ask you to donate to We Care of Grundy County in his name. 

For information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-942-5040, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.