Charles J. Faivre

Charles J. Faivre, passed away at his home on December 17, 2020. He was 94.

Born May 11, 1926 to Joseph A. and Mary Ann (Montavon) Faivre. at St. Mary's Hospital, DeKalb, IL., he was a life-long resident of DeKalb. Chuck attended St. Mary Catholic School and graduated from DeKalb Township High School in 1944.  He married Janice Herrmann on June 26th, 1948 at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb. He married Geraldine T. Zimny on August 22, 1964, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, IL.

Chuck farmed corn and soybeans in the DeKalb area all his life, raising 11 children to whom he passed on his love of adventure and the value of hard work -- he always looked for opportunities to combine the two.

In the late 1960's, Chuck and Geri opened a horse boarding and riding arena, "Kishwaukee Stables". A good supply of help was available with all the kids on hand to care for the horses. Chuck purchased a recreational farm next to White Pines State Park, in Oregon IL, where they would take the children for weekend getaways, along with their horses, and enjoy trail rides together.  His appreciation for the outdoors took Chuck and Geri out west to Colorado to explore what land was available.  In the mid-1970's they purchased an 80 acre ranch in Gunnison County.  For more than 30 years they, along with their children, enjoyed spending 4-6 weeks every summer on this mountain ranch.  On this property, Chuck built a hydro-electric power plant.  Over the years many nieces and nephews visited during these summer months to help with various projects and go on mountain excursions.

From a young age Chuck had a dream of flying.  In June 1977 he pursued this dream when he obtained his private pilot license. He rebuilt a Piper Colt and a Piper Cub.  He converted his stable barn to a hanger and planted a grass runway.  He loved passing on the joy of flying to others through the Young Eagles program of the Experimental Aircraft Association.  He would regularly fly to Janesville, WI for breakfast on Saturday mornings with other local pilots and often invited various grandchildren to join him for breakfast or to just go for a local flight where they could pick out their own house or school from a bird's eye view. Many folks recall receiving their first airplane ride at Uncle Chuck's runway.

A lifelong learner, Chuck began taking classes at Kishwaukee Community College in retirement.  Chuck became a shop volunteer to assist others with their class projects.  One project he was most proud of was a V8 Chevrolet model engine that he designed and built.  Chuck made all the parts and a running replica was the result.  It was the only one completed and is on display at the college. Chuck was generous with his time and all of his skills, he would often repair or machine items for others that could no longer be purchased.

Chuck was a respected member of the community and has lived his life well. His legacy lives on in his many descendants. He is survived by his wife, Geri, nine sons, Larry (Debbie) Faivre of Crescent City, FL, Dan (Libby) Faivre of DeKalb, IL, Ken (Jill) Faivre of DeKalb, IL, Chuck (Linda) of DeKalb, IL, Ray (Cheryl) Faivre of Shabbona, IL, Mark (Chong Suk) Faivre of Hawaii, Scott (Cindy) of DeKalb, IL, Bill (Michelle) Faivre of LaMoille, IL, Tony (Beth) Faivre of DeKalb, IL, and one daughter, Michelle (Paul) Connolly of Aurora, IL; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Janice Herrmann; their daughter Linda Faivre; three brothers, Joseph Faivre, Louis Faivre, Donald Faivre; and five sisters, Lucile Walter, Mary Agnes Gavin, Madeline Steimel, Eileen Heinisch, and Rita Brown.

The family would like to offer sincere appreciation to the staff of Heartland Hospice, Dr Thakkar, and Lehans pharmacy.

There will be a private family mass held at St. Mary's. Burial will follow at St Mary Cemetery in DeKalb.

In Lieu of flowers, a scholarship memorial is being established with the Experimental Aircraft Association. Donations can be mailed to; DeKalb Airport EAA 241 3232 Pleasant St. DeKalb, IL, 60115.

Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.