Charles Sitze

GRASSY, Mo. -- Charles Lindell Sitze, 78, Bethalto, Ill., died Thursday, May 19, 2011, at his home.

He was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Grassy, the son of Elmer F. and Bertha (Turner) Sitze. He married Joyce "Gayle" Kirkpatrick on June 4, 1955, in Grassy. He worked for Olin Brass for 42 years, retiring as director of Manufacturing, Brass Mill, in 1994. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

His favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Sitze of Bethalto; one son, Brad Sitze of Rosewood Heights, Ill.; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Brian Hassel of Bunker Hill, Ill.; four grandchildren, Jesse and Jake Sitze of Bethalto, David and Ashlie Hassel of Bunker Hill; one sister, Marie Withers of Godfrey, Ill.; one former daughter-in-law, Julie Sitze; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Norman and Milford Sitze, and two sisters, Velda Rae and Bessie Rae Sitze.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Paynic Home for Funerals in East Alton, Ill.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Daryl Fansler officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery, with Alton VFW Post 1308 ritual team providing military honors.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.