Charles P. Kudzma

LOVING SON, BROTHER, UNCLE, NEPHEW, COUSIN AND FRIENDCharles Peter "Chuck" Kudzma, Jr., 48, Loves Park, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 2, 1963, in Rockford, the son of Charles Peter and Mary (Dworak) Kudzma, Sr. Chuck was a 1982, graduate of Boylan Catholic High School. He was employed by Highlander Foods on Riverside for 31 years. He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He was an avid Bears fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon. Chuck was a man that took on lifes challenges and never complained or asked why. Whatever was given to him in life, he accepted. We thank Chuck for giving us the courage to walk with him as he fought his battle with cancer. We were so lucky to have had him in our world. Our memories of Chuckie we hold dear to our heart. Thank you Chuckie, our son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. We love you. Until we meet again. Special thanks to Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion for Chuck.Survived by his parents, Chuck, Sr. and Mary of Loves Park; sister, Laura Hammer of Rockford; niece and nephews, Ashely, Nicolaas, and Brentyn Hammer; aunts and uncles, Barbara and Robert Roman, Ann Marie and Richard Arbisi, Mary and Joe Bonacci, Janet Fowler, Cathy and Dan Genovese, and Elizabeth and Cary Spivak; numerous cousins; and his wonderful Highlander family. Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Peter and Marie Kudzma, maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Winnie Dworak, Sr.; aunt, Lucille Adams; uncle, Benjamin Dworak, Jr.Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Av. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 4:00pm until 7:00pm., Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with the Rosary recited at 7:00pm, Visitation from 10:00am until 10:45am Wednesday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Boylan Catholic High School Founders Memorial Program, 4000 Saint Francis Dr. Rockford, 61103.