| Graduation Year | Class of 1971 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 06, 2012 |
| About | Link to Charlie's obituary, an Illinois State University graduate, on Legacy.com: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dailyherald/guestbook.aspx?n=charles-prazma&pid=155402523&page=16 Some excerpts of 77 contributions made by others on Legacy: January 09, 2012 We are so saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Charlie. We were honored to meet Charlie about 4 years ago, through Lynn Dowiarz. Charlie agreed to come to the Deicke Home and play some music for everyone who lives here. Well, Charlie did that several times, but what he brought us was much, much more. Charlie brought his humor, enthusiasm, and excitemnt for music and people. Whether it be his "jokes" or wearing bad wigs, he brought joy to everyone who came in contact with him. What a wonderful person. Charlie and his Belle Music Partner, Sue, also volunteered to play music at our last 3 annual Deicke Home Walk a thons. Charlie will be missed by all the staff and residents of the Deicke Home. God bless you. Bruce Thompson, Lombard, Illinois January 8, 2012 Charlie was always so much fun to play music with! What a talented guy. His sense of humor was not just with jokes but using his wit with dealing with serious situations, too. There was another side of him that makes me smile the most - during the break on a gig, he phoned his son about his hockey game. That was the only time that I saw Charlie being serious - he seriously loved his kids. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Take care. Jennifer Silk - Elgin, IL January 08, 2012 This is so unexpected and sudden that it is difficult to process the loss of Charlie Prazma. He was always ready to engage in conversation; he always had a story or a joke to tell. He was definitely a people person. Charlie knew more people, from every walk of life than anyone I have ever known. He had that natural quality that great politicians possess. He was approachable and engaging. Charlie was an outgoing, gregarious man who was both shy and present at the same time. You could describe him as a loveable, intensely loyal, committed, tenacious and persistent person. Charlie was a devoted Father. Then there was the musical side of Charlie Prazma. He liked to perform but he loved to record. Crystall Recorders is the monument to Charlie Prazma. A lot of great performers, engineers and producers created a lot of great tracks for many different purposes. From on-site live meeting recordings of highly technical subject matter to novelty songs for sports teams and cutting demos for most all the top Chicago working bands, he did it all. We recorded the Big Bear Band version of the Chicago Bear March in 1986 at Crystall Recorders. That began a twenty-two year business relationship and personal friendship. As a performer, he was very, very talented. He played guitar and mandolin. In his later years, his calendar of performing dates was filled with eclectic and varied performances. From hospital gigs and ceremonies to playing in restaurants and nightclubs with his musical partner of over 30 years, Dennis O'Brien; or jobbing with Franz Bentler When he sang a song, it was with conviction and most importantly to him, in-tune. He was a stickler for the correct harmonies and ownership of parts. We have lost one-of-kind. He was a once in lifetime kind of guy. His loss cannot be replaced. God speed Charlie, I can not believe you are gone, you will be deeply missed! My life is better for having known you. Bill Archer, Morton Grove, Illinois |
