Charles Hayes

Charles W. Hayes, 91, of Rockford passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Presence Cor Mariae Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 4, 1924, in Knowles, OK, the son of Virgil M. and Elsie L. (Parkhurst) Hayes. Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. Married Betty Jean Schmutz on June 30, 1947, in Hays, KS. Formerly employed as a teacher and principal by the Harlem and Pecatonica School Districts. Employed as a regional superintendent by Ogle County Schools, retiring in 1989. Member of Harlem United Methodist Church, American Legion and the VFW. Survivors include special friend, Christel Wrage; children, Terrill (Laureen) Hayes of Mount Vernon, WA., Paula (Tom) Stiefel of Rockford and John Hayes of Livermore, CA.; grandchildren, Christopher (Krista) Stiefel, Jeremy Clark and Christina Clark; great-grandchildren, Alex and Ethan Stiefel and Gala Zuehlke; sister, Grace (Alfred) Van Winkle; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife; 1 brother; and 1 sister. The family wishes to thank the staff at Bickford House, Provena Cor Mariae Center and Heartland Hospice for their loving care.

Service at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, in Harlem United Methodist Church, 8401 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.