Charles H. Sundeen, 77, of Geneseo, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Geneseo. A time of sharing memories and stories was held Thursday, March 4, at Vandemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Geneseo. Visitation was held one hour before the memorial service. Military honors were accorded by the Don Cherry VFW Post No. 5083 following the services. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded. Private inurnment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. Memorials may be made to the Don Cherry VFW Post No. 5083 or the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
He was born May 18, 1932, in Rock Falls, the son of Frank O. and Myrtle D. (Druva) Sundeen. He was a 1950 graduate of Geneseo High School. He married Joy Cochran June 14, 1952, in Geneseo. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was employed at John Deere Harvester Forge Shop for 25 years, from which he retired. He farmed in rural Geneseo for many years as well. He was a member of the UAW and a lifetime member of Geneseo VFW. He was also a member of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, and U.S. Trotting Association. As a youth, he was active in 4-H and showing livestock. He was actively involved in stock car racing after high school for the Quad City Devil Drivers. He also loved and enjoyed training and racing harness horses all over the U.S. for more than 40 years.
Survivors include his wife, Joy; three daughters and spouse, Megan Sundeen of Geneseo, Cheryl Sundeen of Carlisle, and Julie and Royce Green of New Boston; a son, Jace Sundeen of Greenfield, Ind.; four grandchildren, Jerry Charles “JC” Austin, John Austin, Ethan and Evan Sundeen; two sisters and spouse, Betty and Rollin Heller of Hooppole and Mary Jane Coverdill of Savanna, and two brothers, Donny Klemmer of Rock Island and Buddy Bryant of Savanna. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Geneseo, Ill. —
