Beloved Downers Grove Baker Dies After COVID-19 Battle

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Chuck Kalousek, beloved baker and owner of Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove, died June 23 after battling coronavirus complications for three months. He was 55.

“It is with very shattered broken hearts and much grief, that it is time to tell everyone, that my husband’s three-month long struggle to survive has now ended," Katie Kalousek wrote in a statement posted on a GoFundMe page for the Kalousek family.

Chuck Kalousek was on a ventilator awaiting a lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital when he experienced a "brain bleed," organizer Melisa Mackevicius wrote in a June 10 update on the fundraising page. In the update, Mackevicius wrote that Kalousek needed to "regain mental capacity" to get a lung transplant.

Kalousek died less than two weeks later.

In a social media post, Kalousek's brother John wrote, "We are so proud of how hard he fought, the many things he accomplished in his life and the beautiful family he and Katie created."

Sister Charlene Kalousek Rodack described Chuck as a "loving, kind, caring, talented, funny, generous, sweet, a family man, and so much more," in her own Facebook post.

Dedications streamed in on the GoFundMe page after news of Kalousek's death, with friends and fans sharing stories about the many selfless acts they'll remember. One contributor, Aimee D., called him a "mainstay of our Downers Grove community. " Another, James H., fondly recalled the treats at Busy Bee Bakery and shared, "Our kids, now adults, still look forward to their St. Nick gingerbread and there will be a hole in our hearts every December 6 as we remember the wonderful treats he made for us."

In her statement, Katie Kalousek wrote, "Although we’re devastated, we’re also very comforted knowing that my husband’s skill and artistry brought so much joy to so many people, with all of the incredible baked goods he made for them."

Related: Village Rallies Behind Busy Bee Bakery Owner Amid COVID-19 Battle

Chuck's giving spirit will live on beyond the many memories, as he chose to donate his organs to those in need. This final act —and the countless dedications from friends, customers and even strangers— echo the words Katie Kalousek shared about her husband via GoFundMe: "He was an incredible man that tirelessly and selflessly gave to others."

A visitation for Charles "Chuck" Kalousek, will be held June 30 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Robert Sheehy Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St., Orland Park.

Click the link to donate to the GoFundMe for the Kalousek family.

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