Charles A. Ellerbrock

Charles A. Ellerbrock, 67, of Ottawa, died unexpectedly at home, on February 14, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be Friday, February 21st from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Hurst Funeral Home in LaSalle. Private Burial will be at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Webster Park.

Charlie was born in Peru on December 27, 1957, to Francis “Sonny” and Bonnee (Holsinger) Ellerbrock. He was elected in 2024, for the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Sportswriter. Charlie has spent more than 40 years as a sportswriter, including stints at the LaSalle News Tribune, Bureau County Republican and The Times in Ottawa. He has covered more than a dozen state championship games across multiple sports.  He enjoyed playing softball, being a talented artist, and was a sports trivia expert. He knew everything about old cartoons and old movies.

Charlie has won numerous awards for his game stories and columns during his distinguished career and also been honored for his photography work. He has done considerable charitable work as well, including with the Special Olympics and St. Jude.

To honor Charlie, who approached life with a loving, casual attire, and a passion for sports at all levels, we would appreciate visitors wearing their favorite high school, college, or pro sports attire.

Charlie is survived by two sisters; Frances Jean (Alan) Scholle of Peru and Mary (Henry III) Kibilka of La Salle, nieces and nephews, a stepdaughter; Ashley DePauw, and her three daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Dorothy Martin and two in infancy, and one nephew Jeffrey Scholle.

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