Charles Norman Cheek

Charles N Cheek, of Salem, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Charlie was born January 25, 1945, the son of Charles E. and Alma Cheek, in Salem OR. The family moved to Oklahoma when Charlie was young. They moved back to Salem in 1957.

Charlie was a graduate of North Salem HS and Salem Tech (Chemeketa). He enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Upon his return stateside, Charlie began a career as a machinist at Towmotor, which became Caterpillar, and ended his career retiring from Hanard Machine. He was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and put his many skills to good and creative uses.

He was introduced to Ellen Breitenstein on a blind date. They married December 5, 1970, and settled outside Independence. They made a home for their three children: Karen, Michael and Diane. Those years included a big garden, camping trips, and two long car rides to visit relatives in Oklahoma. The kids were lucky to see many sights along the way.

Charlie's happy place was the high desert. He enjoyed numerous hunting and fishing trips throughout the years with his father, father-in-law, and especially his life long friend, James Graham.

Sadly, Ellen passed away in August, 1999. Charlie met Judy Clour and they married March, 21, 2003. They enjoyed many years together until his passing.

Charlie is survived by his wife Judy; his sister Janet (Paul) Hensel; his daughter Karen (Matt) Fromherz and their children, Holly and Joseph; son Mike (Christina) and their children, Kelsey and Tyler; and daughter Diane (Aaron) Whitmore and their children, Meg and Rebecca.

Services will be Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Farnstrom Mortuary in Independence. Interment will follow at Hilltop Cemetery in Independence.