University News
Charles Jesse Pestle Obituary
October 28, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - Former Western Illinois University music technician Charles Pestle, 91, of Macomb passed away Oct. 18 in his home.
Pestle worked at WIU for nine years, starting in 1999. He pursued three overlapping careers that spanned his lifetime: serving in the ministry for more than 15 years, farming for over 20 years, and owning and operating Pestle Piano Service for more than 30 years.
Pestle is survived by his wife, Sally Lee Shellhaas, three children, Jennifer (William) DeJong of Macomb, Dwight (Julie Flynn) Pestle of Bushnell and Matthew (Sarah Watkins) Pestle of Nelson, New Zealand, and one grandson, Colin DeJong of Iowa City, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight L. and Mary Jo (Israel) Pestle, and his sister Clarabeth Vancil.
Memorial contributions may be made to the McDonough District Hospital Hospice Program. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at martinhollisfh.com.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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