Charles John DeGrange

     Charles John DeGrange, 87, of Naples, Florida, formerly of the Chicago area, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

     He was born January 13, 1934 in Chicago, son of the late Edward DeGrange Sr. and Laura DeGrange. Following his graduation from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, he studied chemistry at Loyola University Chicago. He then began his professional career with U.S. Steel, where he developed a patent. Charlie moved on to Helene Curtis and Avon, where he worked while attending night school at DePaul University, where he obtained his JD Degree. Upon graduation, he opened his own law practice in Chicago. From a young age, he began acquiring various residential apartment buildings and commercial properties that he renovated and managed.

     Charlie loved working. Oh, how he loved working! Actively ran his business until he was 85. He also enjoyed summers in Door County, WI, boating, sunsets, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved telling stories and would say, “Then what happened”.

     In 1952, Charlie married Dorothy Ann Monahan and together, they had four children, Charles J. DeGrange Jr., Michelle Marie VanDuynhoven (John), Jeannette Marie Will (Dana), and Lauren Marie Kucera (Ross). Charlie is also survived by seven grandchildren, Marie Soraparu (Rob), Elizabeth Miles, Nicole Schusler (Kyle), Connor Volpe, Claire Kucera, Julia Kucera, and Joseph Kucera; one great-grandson, Oliver Soraparu; brother, Arthur DeGrange (Virginia); brother-in-law, Frank Monahan (Norma); and numerous nieces and nephews.

     In 1993, Charlie married Laura Ellen Kleinschmidt and the two were blessed with one son, Matthew Charles DeGrange. He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Dorothy and Calvin Kleinschmidt; brother-in-law, Robert Kleinschmidt; and two nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lois Zajdel (Joe) and Yvonne Oswald (Lou); brother, Edward DeGrange Jr. (Diane); and brother-in-law, James Monahan.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m.

     Charlie will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Charlie’s name to NE Clinical Office Hospice of the Valley, 16117 N 76th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

     Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the DeGrange family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Charlie may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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