Charles Joseph Wargel, 90, passed away peacefully at West River Health Campus, Evansville, Indiana, on September 11, 2026. He was a farmer, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

Charlie was born on February 22, 1936, on the Green Farm in Ponds Settlement east of Ridgway, IL to his parents, Joseph H. Wargel and Rose Abell Wargel. Early in his life, the Green Farm was sold and the family moved into Ridgway with Rose’s mother whom she was tending.

After attending St. Joseph Catholic School, he graduated from Ridgway High School. He began college at Southern Illinois University, graduating from the University of Illinois, attaining both a bachelors degree in vocational agriculture and a masters degree in agronomy. Following graduation, he served his country in the US Army.

He married Mary Elizabeth Maloney on April 21, 1960. They made their home in Belleville, IL where he worked as the assistant farm advisor for the St. Clair County Extension Service. Their first child, Donna Scheppe (Bill) was born in Belleville, IL. During their time in Belleville, they made a lifelong connection with dear friends, Clete & Joan Mueth. The family then moved to Shelbyville, IL where their second daughter, Nina Wargel, was born. Charlie worked for Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM), assisting farmers with the management of their Christian and Shelby County farms. After moving back to Gallatin County to farm the Bernard & Anna Hamilton farm, they were blessed with four more children, Helen Wargel, Thomas Wargel (Claudine), Teresa Boulds (Brady) and Katie Anderson (Michael). Charlie is also survived by his brother Robert E. Wargel, grandchildren, Andrew Scheppe, Karalyn Scheppe, Kathleen Scheppe (Anshika), Landon Wargel, Kinser Wargel, Logan Boulds (Sara), Noah Boulds, Ely Boulds, great-grandchildren, Moxley and Hazel Boulds and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beth, one infant son, Joseph, his daughter, Nina, his parents, Joseph and Rose, his sister, Jean Wargel, and in-laws Daniel and Margaret Maloney.

Charlie worked tirelessly his entire life farming and raising his family alongside his partner of 64 years, Mary Beth. He volunteered extensively and will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his church (St. Joseph and St. Kateri) and the Ridgway community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to caregivers Renee Gotkin, Amy Cox and Tena Thorne and cherished neighbors, Kelly & Doug Schimp and children. They would also like to recognize the staff at West River Health Center who provided excellent care to Charlie in the last few months of his life.

2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. That you surely have, rest easy dad.

Service and Memorial information:

A funeral visitation will begin with a prayer service at 3:45 PM on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home located at 209. S. Jarrell Street, Ridgway, Illinois. Visitation will conclude at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass Friday, September 18, 2026 at St. Kateri Church, 220 South Combs Street, Ridgway, Illinois, at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Ponds Settlement. Mass will be livestreamed via St. Kateri Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Kateri Church or St. Patrick’s Cemetery.