Company owner loved living in Elk Grove

E. Charles Siewert ~ 1928-2007

E. Charles "Chuck" Siewert loved his community of Elk Grove Village so much that he accepted a role on its plan commission during its period of greatest growth.

Mr. Siewert and his wife, Terry, moved to the suburb in 1960, just four years after its incorporation and at the beginning of a decade when the village would double its population.

"We had small children, and it was a growing community -- and we could afford it," Terry Siewert says. "It was a great place to raise a family."

Mr. Siewert brought a unique perspective to his role as plan commissioner. He not only lived in the community, but he relocated his business there.

Continental Machine Co., which Mr. Siewert would eventually lead as president, was one of the first tooling companies to locate in Elk Grove's industrial park, near Landmeier and Busse roads.

It was a lead many other businesses followed, helping to make it the largest consolidated business park in North America.

Family members now are reflecting on Mr. Siewert's many accomplishments, after he died Friday. The former 18-year resident of Elk Grove and 18-year resident of Crystal Lake, most recently of Algonquin, was 79.

"He was a joiner," his wife adds. "He was very active. He was president of the PTA when the children were in school, and in the Lions Club. He just loved to participate."

The couple met at Schurz High School in Chicago before Mr. Siewert enlisted in the Marines and served in World War II. When he returned, Mr. Siewert attended Bradley University in Peoria, graduating with a business degree.

The couple married in 1950, and they just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in September.

His first job out of college took him to work as a salesman with a copying company. Within a few years, he joined Continental Machine as its salesman, rising in his near 30-year career to be president.

Even in retirement, Mr. Siewert stayed active. Shortly after he and his wife joined Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, they both volunteered in its guest services ministry, greeting worshipers at Wednesday and Saturday services.

It was a role tailor-made for Mr. Siewert, and he continued as a part time staff member in its Guest Ministry services for 10 years.

"He was very outgoing, friendly and upbeat," his wife says, "and he loved people."

Besides his wife, Mr. Siewert is survived by his children, Mark (Julie) of Brookfield, Wis.; Tom (Lynn) of West Dundee; Vicki Witt of Crystal Lake; and Carolyn (Paul) Cook of Green Bay, Wis.; as well as nine grandchildren.

A memorial service for Mr. Siewert will begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 9 at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin Road in South Barrington.