Funeral Details

Charles E. Provow

Born in a house in rural Southern Illinois during the Great Depression, Chuck Provow led a life of service and dedication to others. Through part-time jobs and the GI Bill, Chuck put himself through college, earning both his undergraduate and master's degrees in special education. He paused his undergraduate education to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War, earning two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and an atomic war medal. Following his wartime service, he participated in a top-secret assignment on a nuclear carrier, where he witnessed hydrogen bomb testing in the South Pacific.

Returning to Illinois, he completed his education and began his teaching career at an elementary school in Morton Grove where he worked with developmentally disabled children. He began dating a fellow teacher, Ruth, taking her to the Field Museum on their first date and marrying her in the summer of 1960. They moved to Evanston and later Highland Park, where they lived for 60 years and raised their three daughters. Chuck was a member of the New Trier High School faculty for many years, serving as a beloved special education and psychology teacher, as well as an advisor to scores of students, many of whom he kept in touch with long after graduation. During this time, he also maintained a private counseling practice working with adolescents.

After retiring from New Trier, he and Ruth took classes at the local senior center, and Chuck spent countless rewarding hours volunteering in the emergency room at Highland Park Hospital. European travel, babysitting, and gardening occupied his later days. Chuck also completed several marathons and continued to jog well into his 60s.

He was a survivor; despite heart surgeries, hip replacements, and two forms of cancer, he continued to read history books and birdwatch in his beautiful backyard. Chuck was a dog lover, Cubs fan and a truly good man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Loving husband of Ruth Provow nee Shamberg. Beloved father of Laura (Joseph) Henzlik, Amy (Cliff) Roberts and Jane Provow. Proud grandfather of Rachel Henzlik, Sarah Henzlik and Sophia Roberts. Dear brother of Norman (the late Patricia), the late Vera (the late Elmer) Cunningham, and the late Dale Provow. He will be sorely missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Adoring dog owner of Sunny, Ginger, Fred, Sally, Dougie, and Pumpkin. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 www.luriechildrens.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

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