On Saturday February 7th at 1:50 AM Charles Dean Girt, 74, of Rock Island left his earthly pain behind and earned his wings. He had suffered for the last 5 years and tried extensive surgery but finally in the end Charlie could not beat a debilitating stroke.

He was born on Christmas Day, 1951 to Charles and Rosemary (Peters) Girt of Green Rock/Colona. He grew up working on his dad's fleet of cars at Buddy Boy Cab Co. and Graduated from United Township High School in East Moline.

He had a strong work ethic and worked hard all of his life, usually holding down a part time job along with his full time job. As a fork lift mechanic, Charlie started at Sears Warehouse in Milan and spent many years at Liftruck Service in Davenport. In semi-retirement he worked for his brother Rich at Slugger's Pizza and then for his brother-in-law Frank Serra at Frank's Pizza.

Charlie met his wife, Colleen, (Carver Finley) at the Rock Island Boat Club in 1999 while listening to Country Western bands on weekends. They quickly became inseparable and were thankful for the 26 1/2 years that they woke up to with each other every morning.

Charlie is survived by son Ryan, wife Beth and granddaughter Kadence in Des Moines. He further is survived by another son, Corey Collins of Texas and his wife, Denise (Vacek), along with three grandchilldren Ben & Jamie (Mirsma), Jacob & Mary (Grace) and Emma and Cruz Luna and two great-grandchildren.

In the Quad Cities he is survived by three children Krista Sulouff, Laura Nolan, and Charles Collins Girt, along with several more grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Theresa Serra of Silvis, and Brother, Richard (Karen) of Florida., with several nieces and nephew.

Other survivors include a beloved Aunt Rose (the Late Hugh) Morrill of Davenport. Special friends include "His Girl" Taylor McQueen and James Sprouse, both of Rock Island.

Also surviving are his wife, Colleen Girt and Mother in law Janene Collins both of Rock Island.

There are no sevices planned. There will be private graveside services in the spring in Southeast Iowa.

A special Thank you to Elisabeth Heimbeck at St. Anthony's for helping to make our last Christmas so special. Also a special thank you to the Rehab team at St. Anthony's for the great strides that they were making in Charlie's recovery.