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Asmussen | Charlie Finn lived life to its fullest — and loved his Illini

Charlie Finn dreamed big. And inspired others to dream big, too.

Like me.

We lost Charlie on Dec. 8. His 85 years will be celebrated during a memorial service at 10 a.m. today at Savoy United Methodist Church. Afterward, there will be a lunch in the 77 Club at Memorial Stadium.

Charlie's passions started with his family. Charlie and his wife Blanche were married 64 years. Amazing. They raised two kids: Pam and Steve. A great family.

"He had a wonderful life," Blanche said.

Charlie also cared deeply about Illinois athletics, especially football.

He was a student manager in the 1950s during the Ray Eliot era.