STEELEVILLE – Charles Richard Engelhardt, 90, died on July 1, 2023, at Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home in Chester, IL.

Throughout his life, he was a study in determination and durability. Charles was afflicted by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder and had difficulty breathing in his final years but continued to bounce back after several trips to the hospital. His durability was on full display on the softball diamond – he once threw both games of a doubleheader as a fast-pitch pitcher.

Charles was born in Perry County, IL, on February 27, 1933, to John Valentine and Violet (Hepp) Engelhardt. He married Evelyn Marie Wagner on January 1, 1955, in Steeleville, IL. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Cheryl Ann Engelhardt.

Charles was a Pinckneyville Community High School graduate. He attended Southern Illinois University for two years, then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science. Charles served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958.

Charles was a farm advisor in Coles, McLean, DeKalb, Wabash, Mercer, and Logan Counties before starting his own business, Engelhardt Agri-Services, in Lincoln, IL, developing agriculture software. After retiring, he sold items from Charley's Woodworking in Steeleville, IL. Charles was an accomplished square dance caller, receiving a Certificate of Achievement by the American Callers Association for 60 years of teaching, calling, and promoting square dancing in 2010. He was a member of BBK American Legion Post #480, Steeleville, IL. Among his hobbies were playing the accordion, boating, water skiing, and watching his nieces and nephew play and coaching softball and basketball.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Gordon Ray (Julie) Engelhardt of Newburgh, IN, one brother, James Edward (Nellie) Engelhardt of Pinckneyville, IL, a nephew, Alan Engelhardt of Pinckneyville, IL, two nieces: Christine Miller of Kelso, MO, Talitha (Nathan) Wiedman of Effingham, IL; and three grand-nieces: Sophia, Olivia, and Amelia Wiedman of Effingham, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mark's Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, where friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288. To sign guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.