Charles Arthur Allen

Charles Arthur Allen, 11, was born on October 15, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He lived in Waterloo along with his two siblings, Hannah and Henry. He loved music, robots, legos, and dinosaurs. When Charles reached school age, he enrolled at Zahnow Elementary in Waterloo, IL. Later on, Charles was transferred to Perandoe Special Education in his 2nd year. At Perandoe, he would begin to advance with the help of amazing teachers and staff. His imagination was wonderful, creating monsters and heroes from blocks and playing cards, and taking anyone willing on grand adventures in strange lands. In September of 2024, Charles was diagnosed with AML. At first the prognosis was optimistic. Charles was brave and took on this burden without complaint or anger. But, as each treatment failed, the wicked reality set in; Charles' cancer was terminal. His care transitioned from curative to palliative. He left the hospital and came home; spending his time with his loved ones. Charles took one final adventure with his family to Disney World, a last beautiful memory. On December 11, 2025, Charles was admitted back into the hospital. One week later, on December 18, 2025, he passed away, held in the embrace of his mother and father. He was wonderful, and we will miss him.

He survived by his parents Jeremiah Allen and Melissa Allen; siblings Hannah and Henry Allen; grandparents Kathy (Rodger) Morrison Schwengel, Donald Jr. "Papa" (Laurie) Steinbrecher, and Marilyn Joy Allen; great grandparents William R. "GG Pa" Morrison, and Marilyn and Gary Pyse; numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

Charles was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Michael Allen; paternal great grandparents Gilbert and Mildred Allen; maternal great grandma Priscilla "GG" Morrison; uncle CPL Robert Joseph Steinbrecher; cousin Trevor Morrison; and great aunts Debbie Steinbrecher and Mary Steinbrecher.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at Cardinal Glennon for taking care of Charles. All the wonderful people at Perandoe for staying in touch. The amazing Waterloo Community for supporting us through this difficult time, especially our Salt & Honey family.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
The Family

Visitation:
4 PM to 7 PM Monday, December 22, 2025 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
Prayer Service:
7 PM Monday, December 22, 2025 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
  Pastor Josh Boyer officiating

Visitation:
4 PM to 7 PM Friday, December 26, 2025 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home in Quincy, IL
Prayers:
9:15 AM Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home in Quincy, IL
Funeral Mass:
10 AM Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, IL
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, IL