Carl James Churlin

Age 90 of Morris, Illinois, formerly of Roselle, Illinois, died peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at his home.

Born February 10, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Carl was a son of Marko and Helen (nee: Hanzlik) Churlin. He was raised and educated in Des Plaines, Illinois and enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Germany honorably from 1955 to 1957. On October 6, 1962, Carl married Rita Ann Pizarro at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, Illinois. Together, they raised their family in Roselle, Illinois, for many years until relocating to Morris.

Carl provided 34 years of dedicated service to Amtrak, working out of Union Station in Chicago as a telegraph operator. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Walter Catholic Church in Roselle, Illinois and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris.

He enjoyed spending his time reading and watching Jeopardy, classic movies, and his beloved White Sox. Growing up in Chicago’s Croatian–American community, he had a great desire to feel connected to his roots by participating in Croatian heritage functions such as the annual Velika Gospa celebration and by travelling overseas. In his younger years, Carl even hosted the Croatian Radio Hour on WPOA Radio out of Oak Park, Illinois to support and celebrate his heritage.

He was a wonderful provider for his family, ensuring that his wife and daughters were well provided for. Carl treasured spending time with his family and was happiest when he was with the people he loved. None more so than his wife of 63 years, Rita. They began their journey as, “two drifters off to see the world”, and they laid a wonderful foundation for their family. Carl was beloved by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and he will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Churlin of Morris; two daughters: Carla (Dale) Carino of Morris and Claudine (Randy) Wasnick of Naperville, Illinois; six grandchildren: Natalie (Garrett) Pape, Brittney Carino, Valerie (Matt) Reeves, Alex Wasnick, Kyle Wasnick, and Tyler Wasnick; six great grandchildren: Kennedy, Talyn, Brynn, Benjamin, William, and Owen; his twin brother, Darvin (Mary Ann) Churlin of Oak Lawn; brother-in-law, LeRoy (Norma) Pizarro of Sterling; sister-in-law, Rosemary Pizarro of Rock Falls, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Marko and Helen; two brothers: Richard (Jenny) Churlin and Tony (Ellie) Churlin; mother and father-in-law: Henry and Ruth Pizarro, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Tony Pizarro, Henry Pizarro, Jr., Mary Pendola, Marie Simmons, and Esther Pizarro.

The family will receive friends at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Jason Stone and assisted by Deacon Paul Jung.

Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Morris.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Carl's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)