Charles "Chuck" Breckle -- Rochester

Charles "Chuck" Francis Breckle, 81, passed away on June 5, 2015, at Shorewood Commons in Rochester.

Charles was born on July 15, 1933, to Frank and Neil Breckle in Rochester. He attended Simpson School, St. John's, and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1951. He attended St. Mary's University in Winona and graduated with a B.A. in English. He later completed master's degrees in English at Chicago State University and administration and supervision at Roosevelt University. Charles taught English briefly before serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alabama. For over 38 years, he was in education. He taught at De La Salle Institute of Chicago and Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, spending the majority of his career at Thornwood High School in South Holland, Ill., until his retirement in 1995.

Charles was passionate about the fine arts. He directed musicals and plays and ran a summer theater for young adults in Hammond, Ind. He was the producer for the Showteens, a group of young adults from area high schools and colleges. The Showteens performed in the Chicago area and made six tours to Europe and two tours to the West Indies. In his retirement, Charles enjoyed traveling, reading, dining at Michael's Restaurant and being with his family and friends.

Charles is survived by five nieces and one nephew, Amy (John) Dominski, of Eau Claire, Wis., Bill Breckle, of St. Louis Park, Minn., Sharon Manahan, of Green Bay, Wis., Nora (Chuck) Watts, of Hopkins, Marlene (Jon) Podolske, of Plainview, Tracie (Jim) Daly, of Rochester; and great-nieces and -nephews, Chris and Dan Dominski, Casie, Alex, Meagan and Benjamin Watts, Shannon Podolske, Caroline, Jackson and Collin Daly. He is also survived by countless friends in the Chicago and Rochester areas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Manahan, and brother-in-law, Chris Manahan; and his brother, Bob Breckle, and sister-in-law, Carol Breckle.

A funeral Mass for Charles will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, with Father Mark McNea officiating. Visitation will be held one and one-half hours prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, following the service.

A special thank you is extended to both the staff of Shorewood Commons and Comfort Home for the compassionate care they gave Charles. The family also is appreciative of the Mayo Hospice Program.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .