Born June 26, 1943, in Ohio, Illinois, he was the son of Thomas Herman and Annie Laura (Girten) Blanford, Sr. Chuck attended schools in both Illinois and Kentucky before completing his education at LaSalle -Peru High School. He went on to serve his country with pride as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965.
On March 2, 1968, Chuck married Rita Wysocki, and together they settled in the Village of Cherry, Illinois, where they began raising a family. They later divorced. In the mid-1970’s, Chuck moved to Rock Falls after being recruited to work as a cash register, copy, and fax machine repairman with Haskell’s in Sterling. When Haskell’s closed, he continued his career with SBM until his retirement in 2008.
On March 18, 1979, Chuck married Sheryl (Wallmark) Rose in a private ceremony. Their union lasted nearly 47 years, filled with cherished memories made while traveling throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and to Italy to visit family following retirement. For several years, they spent winters together in Arizona, until health concerns limited further travel.
Chuck found great enjoyment in tinkering, woodworking, and computer work. He was also passionate about genealogy, dedicating time to researching and tracing his family roots.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Junior, Gordon, and Larry Blanford; sisterS, Helen Wolfe, Betty Buckman, Lucille Liesse, and Freda Wolfe; stepson, Jeffrey Rose; and great-granddaughter, Blaiksley Rose Sheppard.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Blanford; three daughters, Rhonda Earley, of Osceola, IA, Leslie Owen, of France, and Beth (Kevin) Kosman, of Weldon, IA; two sons, Andrew (Lee)Blanford, of Vietnam, and Paul (Brandy) Filip, of Canton, IL. Chuck is also survived by three stepdaughters, Jean (Randy) Schutt, of Rock Falls, Julie (Mike) Hader, of Falls City, NE, and Jackie (Shawn) McSherry, of Lexington, TN; and two stepsons, Jerry (Sarah Johnson) Rose, of Sterling, and Mark Rose, of Whittier, NC. He leaves behind 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (with two more due in April); and one great-great-granddaughter (with another expected in June). Chuck is also remembered by many nieces and nephews, including his special niece, Annie Fritz, of Wyanet.
The family extends their heartfelt thank you to the staff at Morningside and Vitas Hospice, especially Erica and Carla, and for the compassionate care Chuck received in his final months.
Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will conclude at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Vitas Hospice.
