One of the last great men in America, Charles Steilen, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1st, 2024, joining the love of his life, Diane, surrounded by family and aided to heaven by his dear friend, Father John Steiner. Chuck is survived by his children, Mark Steilen, his grandchildren, Sophie and Hart, daughter Lisa Souza, her husband Mark and grandchildren Kendra and Kelsey, daughter Laura Wilcoxen, her husband Marc and grandchildren Beau and Shelby, great-grandchildren Ellie and Westin, son Joe, his wife Lisa and grandchildren Kayla and Courtney, daughter Monica Eugenio, her husband Edward and grandchildren Max, Samie and Shane, great-grandchildren Nora and Olivia, and son Nate, his wife Mary, grandchildren Megan, Molly and Katherine, and great grandchild Wesley.

Chuck was born on April 2nd, 1936 in Galesburg, Illinois to the late Nicolaus and Helen Steilen. He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Agnes 'Diane' Steilen and his sister, Mary 'Boots' Edwards. Chuck and Diane's love story was one for the ages. A devout Jesuit seminarian, Chuck was smitten at first sight by the gorgeous singer, dancer and nursing student as she performed Broadway hits to pay her tuition. He left the seminary, graduated from Saint Ambrose College, and they were married shortly thereafter. They danced in the kitchen every night for the next fifty eight years.

Chuck began his career as a fundraiser for Saint Ambrose College, and his immediate success led to his hiring by Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, to do the same. Chuck and Diane moved their growing family to Spokane in 1962 and while acting as a fundraiser for Gonzaga, Chuck pursued his MBA. His pioneering work for Gonzaga led to the first major expansion of the University and what became the Kennedy Pavilion (now Martin Center). The basketball dynasty we all know was to follow. His relationship with Gonzaga and the Jesuit Community remained tightknit throughout his life, serving on numerous boards and as President of the Alumni association.

Upon completion of his MBA, Chuck went to work as a commercial insurance broker for McGovern, Carrol and Cavalry, subsequently Fred S. James, retiring as Vice President and the single most successful PNC broker of Marsh Insurance. His knowledge in the field was encyclopedic and sought after, leading to a stint as an expert witness in some of the most complicated commercial suits of the time. Unable to quiet his always busy mind in his retirement, he created and founded ALPS, the captive lawyers malpractice insurance company that became the model of its kind in the nation.

A dedicated outdoorsman, Chuck was a legendary wingshot and a founding member of the Lincoln Duck Club. Sadly, his prowess with a shotgun did not translate to the golf course. A lifelong member of Manito Country Club, his golf game never improved a stroke in forty years, though what he lost on the course he more than made up for as a feared card player and trash talker. He was an equally tragic fly fisherman whose love for fishing was shared with his family and a rogues gallery of the Northwest's boldest liars.

Most importantly, Chuck Steilen was a giant of a father, not only to his own six children, fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren (two on the way), but to anyone in need. In addition to his work and support for the educational missions of Gonzaga University and Gonzaga Prep, Chuck and Diane were lifelong members and supporters of Our Lady of Fatima Church and elementary school, founding members and foster parents for "Heal the Children", sponsoring and caring for Guatemalan children in need of medical care. They were early and lifelong supporters of the first local Ronald McDonald House and were instrumental in establishing Saint Margaret's Women's Shelter in Spokane. His efforts were tireless and his generosity boundless.

His powerful love and guidance cannot be replaced, but his memory and the gratitude of his family, friends and community for having shared such a rich life lives on. The Steilen Family sends its heartfelt thanks to all those at Rockwood South and Hospice House for their exceptional kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do one unexpected good deed today and tell no one.