Dr. Charles A. Fifield, Jr. D.D.S.

Dr. Charles A. Fifield, Jr., D.D.S., 94, of Galesburg, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. He was born in Galesburg, on December 18, 1925 to Charles A. Fifield, Sr. and Louise L. (O’Donnell) Fifield.  He married Miriam T. Mehmert on June 17, 1952 in Olney, IL.  She preceded him in death on February 15, 2008.  Charles is survived by three children, Dr. Beth (Bob Widing) Fifield of Park Ridge, Dr. Jeff (Vickie) Fifield of Austin, TX, and Dr. Philip (Susan) Fifield of Peoria; and one brother Jordan (the late Nancy) Fifield of Peoria.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel Widing, Lisa Widing, Marcus Fifield, Sean Fifield, Ben Fifield, Adam Fifield, and Nate Fifield; and two great grandchildren, Mason and Kaylyn Fifield. Dr. Fifield graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Knox College.  He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1945 in the NROTC program and completed a bachelor’s degree in Naval Science.  He served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant in WWII and for a period in the Naval Reserve after the war. He later graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry. As a dentist, Dr. Fifield was a member of the Illinois State Dental Society (Board of Trustees Member), American Dental Association, Prairie Valley Dental Society (President, Executive Director, Program Director) and the United States Dental Society. He was elected to membership in the American College of Dentistry, the American Academy of Periodontology (Board of Trustees), the International College of Dentistry, and the Pierre Faushard Academy of Dentistry of Paris France.  He published by invitation in numerous dental journals, including the American Dental Society Journal.  In 1990, Dr. Fifield was awarded the distinguished award of “Dentist of the Year” of the Illinois Dental Society, which is given to a member in recognition of his service to the dental profession. While Dr. Fifield retired after 47 years private practice of dentistry in 2000, he continued his dental career as a precepting dentist in the Dental Hygienist training program at Carl Sandburg College. Charles ended his career in 2018 when he resigned from the Carl Sandburg Dental Hygienist Program at the age of 92. Dr. Fifield and his late wife Miriam were charter members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Chuck, as he was known by most people, served for several consecutive terms as the I.H.M Church Council Chairman during which time he oversaw the construction of the present church sanctuary. Dr. Fifield and his wife, Miriam were married for nearly 60 years. They enjoyed traveling, visiting 47 different countries around the world.  He was a student of history, particularly the American Civil War.  His favorite pastime was playing tennis which he enjoyed well into his 80’s.  Chuck was a former member of the Kiwanis Club. His family were longtime members of Soangetaha County Club. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. William T. Miller will officiate.  Visitation will begin one hour (10:00 a.m.) prior to the mass at the church.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.