Charles Richard DuBois

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Charles Richard DuBois II on June 10, 2023, at the age of 70. Charles (Chaz) was born on April 30, 1953, at St. Mary’s Hospital in LaSalle, IL He was a longtime resident of the Illinois Valley who lived in Peru during his later years. 

Charles and his large family of 10 brothers and sisters grew up locally and shared a great many memories and stories of playing along the canal and nearby parks.  He was very involved in the local restaurant scene and started working in area restaurants at the age of 14 as a dishwasher.  

Charles was a cook and trainer for many restaurants and chefs around town, including establishing and running or being a chef at Old River Cruises, LaSalle, the Red Door, the Stage Door, 9th Street Pub, and Mark Allen’s before eventually being forced to retire for health reasons. Charles was a navy veteran who got his start in professional cooking during that military tour; he went on to make it a lifelong passion.  

Charles worked in restaurants and hotels across the U.S., from the Hyatt Regency in California to the Dearborn Street Oyster Bar in Chicago.  In his last active years, Charles spent several years in Mazatlan City, Mexico, working at and establishing a restaurant called the Ceballo Morado, “Purple Onion” before retiring back in Peru, where he lived and loved until his passing. 

Charles was always ready with a story and a laugh; he loved meeting friends, new and old, and had a tale for any occasion.   

Charles is survived by his daughter Amanda DuBois Hines (Kyle); sisters Mary Jauch, Michelle Woodshank, Susan Over, and Helen Goodman; brothers Michael Kwiatek, Elliott Kwiatek, Mark Dana, and Ronald Ehlers.  He was preceded in death by sisters Christine “Chris” Wenzel, Vernice “Vernie” Safranski, brother Russell DuBois, his mother Lauretta Dana Kwiatek, and his father, Charles DuBois I.  

Charles was always a big proponent of family bonding and support.  He will be missed by his many family members and friends, including his daughter, nieces, nephews, and siblings. A visitation will be held for Charles DuBois on Monday, June 19, at Ptak Funeral Home in Peru, from 6 to 8 p.m.