Charles "Chuck" Malachy Usher, 87, of Burr Ridge and Eagle Lake, Wis., died Aug. 12 at his home on Eagle Lake.
Born in 1934 in Chicago to Clarence and Emma Usher, he was the youngest of eight children. He was a graduate of De La Salle Institute of Chicago and later served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the post-Korean War era. He met Nancy Ann Wagner at a Volunteer Fireman's Ball in 1960 at Eagle Lake, and they married a year later. Their marriage spanned 60 years and produced six children. The Ushers resided in the Hinsdale area for 58 years, where their children and grandchildren attended school and are active in community life. Mr. Usher was a member of the Hinsdale Golf Club and St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. The Ushers divided their time between Hinsdale and Eagle Lake, a cherished Usher family setting.
With his father and brothers, he carried on the family business, Ideal Heating Co., which was founded in 1899 and continues today. Training as a pipefitter, Mr. Usher eventually became president of the company. He was a member of the Pipefitters Association Local 597 and was past president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago.
The Ushers traveled widely to Europe, Mexico and Australia, trips documented in photos taken by Mr. Usher, who had developed a love of photography in high school that lasted a lifetime. Mr. Usher was an avid sailor, loved tennis, skiing and the White Sox, but family life was what he loved most, attending the sporting events and other activities of his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Usher was preceded in death by his son, Michael; and his brothers, Edward, John "Jack," Robert, Clarence "Bud" and George Usher.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sisters, Elinor Lee and Julie Bittner; his children, Charles (Beth) Usher Jr., Andrew (Sandy) Usher, Patrick (Sabrina) Usher, Martha (Jerry) Lamke and Edward (Amy) Usher; and his 16 grandchildren, Claire (Charlie) Planek, Erin, Charles III, Michael, Ryan, Alexandra, Samantha, James, Christopher, Megan, Eleanor, Katherine, Duncan, Courtney, Leo and Kirsten Usher.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Adolph Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook.
Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at St. Mary of Dover Catholic Church, Kansasville, Wis., with burial immediately following.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
