Charles R. “Charlie” Motz Sr., 85, of Galesburg, died at 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
He was born May 9, 1936, in Galesburg, the son of Walter J. and Mildred (Peterson) Motz. He married Sharon Harding. They later divorced.
He is survived by four daughters, Connie Starr of Tremont and Lisa Motz (Loren Conard), Laurie (Chuck) Bush, and Sherri Motz; daughter-in-law, Bobette Motz, all of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Rich (Lyn) Motz, Traci (Chris) Riley, Ronnie (Sammy) Starr, Tyler (Kirstin) Starr, Eddie (Jenn) Bush, Erin (Ryan) Shipp, Erica Bush (Nate Kemp), Jenna Hunt (Dakota Rideout), and Rusty Hunt; nine great grandchildren, Todd, Colton, Chase, Gauge, Ellie, Jackson, Rylyn, Mia, and Kinzley Jo; and two sisters, Sandy Lovitt and Barb Lester, both of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donny Motz, William Motz, and Johnny Joe Motz; a son, Rick Motz; and a son-in-law, Doug Starr.
Charlie had a variety of jobs over the years including owning and operating his own junkyard, C.R. Motz Junkyard, working at Admiral, working in construction, and working for Wonder Bread. He also owned and operated a snow plowing business.
Charlie enjoyed listening to country music. He had a life-long involvement in demolition derbies, both building and participating. This tradition has continued in the family as his grandchildren, and now great grandchildren, have taken an interest in the sport as well.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, in the Wataga Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. A celebration of life will follow the graveside service at Motzee’s in Wataga. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left for the family on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
