Obituary Charles Birkett "Charlie" Slonneger, 65, of Washington, IL, died at 11:24 pm Friday, June 15, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on January 26, 1947 in Washington, IL to Clarence and Isabel Kennel Slonneger. He married Leri Julien on August 17, 1968 in Washington. She survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Dawn Slonneger and son, Ty (Gina) Slonneger, both of Washington, IL, sister, Shirley (Dan) Curley of Washington, sister-in-law, Teddy Roe of Dahinda, brothers-in-law, Ed Derry and Robert H. Julien, both of Washington, and grandsons, Joseph Mathew and Alex Charles Slonneger. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sharon Derry, father-in-law, Robert Julien, and brothers-in-law Ronnie Roe and Loring Julien. Charlie was a 1965 graduate of Washington Community High School and served with the US Army from 1966-1968. He received the Purple Heart during his tour of duty in Vietnam. He worked as a Project Manager and Vice President for RNS Electric and Koener Electric, and also worked as a Project Manager for William Masters, Inc. and Washington Electric. Charlie also taught for many years at the IBEW 34 JATC School. Charlie was a past member of the Washington Fire Department where he served as Chief and President of the Fire Department Board. He was a past member of the Eastport Boat Club in East Peoria where he served as Board President, and was currently serving on the Washington Township Board. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, the VFW Post #9016 in Washington, the American Legion Post #466 in Eureka, IL, and the Kennel Lake Sportsman Club. Charlie was a kind, gentle man who touched so many lives with his generosity and acts of kindness. He helped others realize their dreams and was always there to lend a hand and a hammer. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and quick laugh, his love of family and friends, fishing and trains, and the Chicago Bears and White Sox. "Papa Bear," who still had so much to teach, will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him and especially his grandsons, Joseph and Alex. Services for Charlie will be at 11 am Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Dick Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the funeral home with additional visitation from 10-11 am Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington, where military honors will be accorded by the US Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the Emergency Department, 4th Floor Staff, and Intensive Care Unit at Proctor Hospital, and Intensive Care Unit at OSF St. Francis Medical Center for all their wonderful care.