Charles Zahradka

Unlike the way he lived, Charles C. Zahradka, Jr., 72 of Pana, passed away at home quietly, quickly, peacefully and without a struggle on Sunday (Fathers
Day) June 15, 2025. Born in Hillsboro to Charles C. Zahradka, Sr. and Jerrie J. Maninfior Zahradka as Chuck, Sr. was at sea in the navy. Chuck was
a lifelong resident of Pana and attended the public schools, graduating from Pana High School with the Class of 1970. During his high school years, he
was a standout baseball and football player, winning a football scholarship to Western State University in Gunnison, CO. He was honored to have served
on the Color Guard for the basketball games, Homecoming Escort and Prom King. PHS is where he met Patty. After 3 years of dating, he married Patricia L.
Rakers from Oconee at Sacred Heart Church where he converted. August 12, 1972, began the next 52 years of unpredictable, chaotic, hardworking, aggravating,
and fun roller coaster rides complete with clown entertainment and outlandish stories that we called marriage. Chuck's work world ranged from grocery store, gas stations, summer street dept., Firestone, & Caterpillar (completing their associates program). Later his career turned to welding and pipefitting and working at several different construction companies in Decatur, working and participating in every sport, boys scout and fishing outing the 3 boys decided they liked.
Chuck coached JFL and Little League baseball and was president of the Quarterback Club for several years, besides belonging to K of C, Pana Sportsman's Club. He was an avid sports fan with Pana Panthers being his favorite, cowboy movies, Little House on the Prairie, and Oak Island. He was a registered IHSA football referee. Chuck worked hard but played harder and will be remembered most for his willingness to work for beer and ability to entertain, funny or offensive. After retirement, he made and sold woodworking pieces. Losing a couple fingers and tips along the way, while he became a constant gardener riding his mower until the price of gas went up and he couldn't mow the neighbors along with ours.
Chuck was a romantic, warm and loving husband and caregiver, an overinvolved dad and grandfather who was so proud of all the kids' achievements. He tried very hard to be a good son and son-in-law and brother to sisters, Joy Pierce of Cape Coral, FL and Suzi (Jim) Cunningham of Greensboro, GA. With such an outgoing personality, people either really liked him or they really didn't, which didn't leave much room in between, but they always loved to tell on him. He has had a chronic history of illnesses and injuries
surviving surgeries and heart disease and uncontrolled diabetes. God blessed him with a sudden and quick death for which we are grateful.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Patty; sons Rob and Rudy, Sr. (Heather Kersten/Crystal Lake IL). Grandkids: Raustin (Jessi) Greenville, Rhett (Laurel) Pana, Madelyn (Tyler) Highland, Kaylee (Dillon) and Rudy Jr. Pana. Great grandkids: Wren and Rhett Jr. Preceded in death were his parents and in-laws Carl & Iona Rakers, Oconee, son Michael (2013), granddaughters Karmen and Kasey (2002) and great grandson Luka (2023).
Chuck requested to be cremated, and a celebration of life will be planned for the later part of August due to other current health issues within the family members.
Donations are requested to be sent to Pana Quarterback Club or the local support group for men suffering from Peter Pan Syndrome---refusing to grow up. Thank you to everyone that stopped to BS with one of the best.
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.