Charles Wrenn, 85 died May 22, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was born on October 9, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to William Marion Wrenn and Lila Beatrice Wrenn (Tate), both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dick Wrenn, and his sister, Doris Winchester. He is survived by one sister, Sandy Wrenn of Easley, South Carolina.
He married Sharon Harris on June 1, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She survives. Together they had three children, all of whom survive: Greg Wrenn of Macomb, Cindy (Danny) Webster of Blandinsville, and Christy (Shawn) Cory of Plainfield, Illinois. Also mourning his passing are 15 grandchildren: Drake (Laklyn) Webster, Brent Wrenn, Johnathon Wrenn, Amanda Wrenn, Ryan Wrenn, Isabella Wrenn, Stephen (Connie) Wrenn, Hannah (Brock) Vogel, Laura (Gage) Phelps, Matthew (Jaylyn) Thompson, David (Rachel) Wrenn, Benjamin Wrenn, Austin Cory, Micayla Cory, and Braeden Cory; along with 11 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Charles was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, in 1959. He then moved to Minneapolis to enroll in college and worked for the Billy Graham Organization while attending Northwestern College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1965. He met his wife, Sharon, while attending college. From 1966 to 1969, he taught Speech at Malone College in Ohio and also coached debate. During this same time, he earned his master’s degree and completed postgraduate work at Kent State University. In 1970, he and his wife moved to Macomb.
Charles had numerous adventures and careers after coming to Macomb. He taught in the Communication Department at WIU until 1975. He operated a food concession stand at Heritage Days for many years. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he and his wife owned The Yard Sale and Wrenn’s Upholstery and Drapery Store in Macomb. In the late 1980s, he began working in politics, a field he truly enjoyed. He worked for the House Republican Policy Staff in Springfield. During his political career, he worked on more than 40 different political campaigns, either as a consultant or campaign manager. He truly was brilliant when it came to politics.
In 1990, he purchased Western Mobile Park. He also taught Speech part-time at Spoon River College. In the early 2000s, he became involved in real estate investing both in and outside of Macomb.
He loved playing bridge, where he directed the local bridge club and taught classes. He also participated in bridge tournaments throughout Illinois and Iowa. Charles enjoyed golfing when he had the time, traveling, and trying new foods. He coached his son Greg in Pony League Baseball for two years. He was constantly on the go.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at the Maple Avenue Christian Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Thursday May 28, 2026 also at the Maple Avenue Christian Church with pastor Jonathan Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Maple Avenue Christian Church. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
