Charles D. “Chuck” Summers of Somers, died on December 29, 2015 at Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie.

Born in Dexter, OH on March 28, 1923, he was the son of the late Charles Jones and Edith Mae (Martin) Summers. He was educated in schools in Benton, IL

Chuck was one of the “Greatest Generation,” WWII Veterans. He was drafted in the Army on September 13, 1943, in the 41^st Division 3^rd Battalion. He proudly served in New Guinea, the Southern Philippines and Luzon. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on January 17, 1946.

During his military service, Charles saved the life of a fellow service man and friend. He carried him off of the battlefield to the medics. He was honored with the Purple Heart and was reunited with his friends, Louis Young and Harold Jones, 57 years later. He also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Service Button WWII, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge 1^st Award, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with/3 bronze service stars with/arrowhead and the WWII Victory Medal.

In 1946, he was united in marriage to Lettie (Gallo) Shipman. Of their union, four children were born; Charles W. Summers, Sharon Tucker, Catherine Jackson and Lorraine “Lori” Summers. Their marriage was later dissolved.

On September 9, 1958, he was united in marriage to Gwendolyn J. Hoyland. Of their union, a son, Dana Paul was born. Gwendolyn preceded him in death in April, 1998.

In March, 2001, Chuck was united in marriage to Judith (Gray) Lichter.

Chuck was a man of many skills. After his military service, he was employed as a cab driver with Veterans Cab Company. In 1982, Chuck retired from Chrysler Corporation having worked in Dept. #834 Final Repair for 33 years. After his retirement, Chuck began repairing cars out of his home garage. He became well known for his outstanding knowledge of any type of automobile repair. He was a big teddy bear; always to be found sitting on his perch.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Catherine Jackson, Lorraine A. “Lori” Summers and Dana Paul Summers; his siblings, Cletus “Bud” (Barb) Summers, Dorothy Ellis, Frank (Peggy) Summers, Helen (Roy) Rogers and Melvin (Sherri) Summers; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his father, Charles Jones and his mother, Edith Summers, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Cletus Summers; his children, Charles W. Summers and Sharon Tucker; his sister, Freda Post; and his great-grandson, Charles William Summers II.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Angels at Hospice Alliance; especially, Angelica, Deb H., Jan H., Dean and Pastor Charlie; and Dr. Aimee Ledesma and Dr. Asif Anwar for the exceptional care and support that they provided.

Service Info

Funeral Services with full military honors following will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Private inurnment will take place in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.