+ Mr. Chuck Stillman +

Following his graduation in 1969, Chuck accepted a position as a seventh and eighth grade teacher at St. Bridget School in Omaha. Chuck taught there until 1975, taking one year off for duty with the National Nebraska Guard. In the fall of 1975, Church began teaching at Blessed Sacrament School in North Omaha. Chuck moved to Algona in 1980, and for the past twenty-seven years he has taught in the Bishop Garrigan Catholic School System. Chuck always said that his move to Algona was for one year only, but he was quick to reply that Garrigan students, teachers, and parents were just too good to him. He could not leave. 

Chuck was a storyteller. He loved the art of storytelling, and for a long time was a member of the National Storytelling Association. Chuck used storytelling in his classroom, and shared his tales with groups throughout the state. Chuck was also a longtime member of the International Reading Association, the Iowa Reading Association, and the PAC/LARC Reading Council of North Iowa. Chuck also dearly loved history in the classroom, and for more than twenty years helped Seton students prepare for the local, district, and state History Day competitions. On five occasions, students that Chuck worked with qualified for the National History Day finals in Maryland. 

Chuck was on several occasions recognized for his achievements in the field of education. Former students nominated Chuck for inclusion in Who’s Who in American Teachers a number of times. Chuck was named an Outstanding Young Teacher of Omaha by the Omaha Jaycees in 1975. Chuck was a past finalist for the Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year Award. In 2001 the Iowa Historical society and the National History Day in Iowa named Chuck the Teacher of the Year. 

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, Chuck passed away at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona after a courageous battle with cancer. Chuck is survived by his father, Charles, of Emmetsburg. Six brothers and sisters survive including: Rose and Bob Campney of Omaha, Jerry and Alice Stillman of Graettinger, Tom and Lois Stillman, Joanne and Dave Garrelts, all of Emmetsburg, Karen and Duane McGregor of Algona and Rich and Pam Stillman of Emmetsburg. Chuck is also survived by seventeen nieces and nephews, a step-brother, John and wife, Linda Higgins, a step-sister Joan and husband Gary Beckman, and their children. In addition, he leaves behind many friends, students, former students, and special friends, Barb Beatty and the concession stand friends. Preceding Chuck in death are his mother, Maureen; stepmother, Jeanne; his grandparents and man other relatives.