Charles James Foucek, Jr. was born January 5, 1896, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, the son of Charles Godfrey Foucek and Mary L. Stepina.
He attended Medill High School in Chicago and St. John’s Military Academy in Wisconsin.
Charles took his college training at the University of Michigan Pharmacy school.
He joined the National Guard in 1914 and saw service on the Mexican border in 1916. During World War I, Charles served in France with the Army Medical Detachment, 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division as a sergeant. He saw action in the St. Mihiel offensive and in the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
Following the war, Charles joined his father in Chicago, who was also a pharmacist. In Chicago, he gained fire-fighting experience in an honorary job.
He married Emilie Martha Dubsky April 24, 1920, in Chicago. They were the parents of two daughters: Marianne Charlene, who married Tal Jonz; and Eleanore L., who married Richard P. Neet.
Charles moved with his family to Naperville in 1924, where he opened a pharmacy in what had been the Odd Fellows Hall on Chicago Avenue, now the American Legion Post 43 Hall. A year later he moved the pharmacy to 127 South Washington Street. Charles operated his pharmacy until July 1, 1956, when he sold the business to Obed W. Albrecht.
He was associated with the Naperville Fire Department for 24 years. Charles was named Assistant Chief in 1927 and Chief in 1931, serving as Chief of the volunteer crew for 20 years.
Charles also was one of 33 Naperville residents and business owners who helped underwrite the purchase of the Von Oven stone quarries for the building of the Naperville Centennial Beach.
During the 1930’s, Charles served as an instructor of the fire college at the University of Illinois.
He was a Past Commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 in 1945/1946.
Charles affiliated with Euclid Lodge February 13, 1952, from Bohemia Lodge No. 943, Chicago, Illinois. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason April 20, 1929 in Euclid Chapter No. 13 and was also a member of Aurora Commandery No. 22 and the Medinah Temple.
Charles James Foucek died May 3, 1958, in the Hines Veterans Hospital. Rev. Paul Washburn conducted the funeral services from the Friedrich Funeral Home and Charles was buried in the Naperville Cemetery.
