Charles Wessley “Shag” Fitzjarrald, age 65, of Kansas, Illinois, passed away Monday night, August 31, 2020, at his home.

   Charles was born January 22, 1955, in Songer Township, Clay County, Illinois, the son of Wayne Wooster and Arista Leta (Lane) Fitzjarrald.  He married Anita Krutsinger on July 4, 1974, at the Shiloh Church in Meacham Township, Marion County, Illinois, and together they have shared 46 wedding anniversaries.

   Charles graduated from North Clay High School in 1973.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, and fishing.  His favorite pastime was operating heavy equipment machinery.  During his life he worked at AMF in Olney, Illinois; Ashton Stanford Engineering in Salem, Illinois; Trailmobile in Charleston, Illinois; and recently retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 841, out of Terre Haute, Indiana.

   He is survived by his wife: Anita Fitzjarrald of Kansas; one son Michael “Scott” Krutsinger of Salem, South Dakota; six grandchildren: Alexia Leann Krutsinger (fiancée Skylar Barkley) of Charleston, Illinois, Clayton Troy Krutsinger of Effingham, Illinois, and Elana Rena, Olivia Louise, Michael “Liam”, and Iliana Arista Krutsinger all of Salem, South Dakota; two great-grandchildren:  Alyce and Karma Barkley of Charleston, Illinois; three siblings: Barbara Ford (husband Carroll) of Kinmundy, Illinois; Ross “Bill” Fitzjarrald (wife Gayla) of Xenia, Illinois; and Carl Fitzjarrald (wife Vickey) of Kansas, Illinois; mother-in-law: Mary Krutsinger of Xenia; one aunt:  Mildred Lane; one uncle: Ronald Lane; two brothers-in-law: James “Jim” Brown and Gerald “Jerry” Cooper; nineteen nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; countless dear family friends; and the neighborhood.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Wayne and Arista Fitzjarrald; three sisters: an infant, Delores June Fitzjarrald, Carolyn “Sue” Brown, and Wanda “Kay” Cooper; one brother: Donald Fitzjarrald; and father-in-law: Dale Krutsinger.

   A graveside ceremony celebrating the life of Charles Fitzjarrald will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia, Illinois.  Those attending are asked to arrive directly at the cemetery and social distancing guidelines are recommended.  Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral home in Flora, Illinois.  For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Paris Infusion Clinic in Paris, Illinois, and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com