Charles "Chuck" Winston Frey

Charles Winston "Chuck" Frey, age 59, of Kankakee, passed away Friday June 26, 2026, at his home. He was born on February 1, 1967, in Urbana, Illinois, the son of Richard and Nichola Frey. Chuck moved with his family to Kankakee in 1969. He attended St. Teresa Grade School and Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, where he graduated from in 1985. During his time at McNamara, Chuck participated in cross country, track and field, and wrestling. He then attended Kankakee Community College and Illinois State University, graduating in 1987 and 1989, respectively. He earned an accounting degree from ISU. Chuck became a certified public accountant and embarked on a three-decade career with Old Republic Insurance Company of Chicago. He worked as the company's comptroller during that period. While working in Chicago, Chuck maintained residence in Kankakee and was active in the community. Along with his partner of 34 years, Patricia Lowery, Chuck served as a baseball coach in the Kankakee Knights of Columbus Minor League/Jaycees Little League, an organization that played its games at Beckman Park. As a young boy, Chuck was a player in the league. A general sports enthusiast, Chuck was known as one of the better players on the local billiards circuit. He also enjoyed playing golf. He was a longtime member of Oak Springs Golf Club, and he developed many lasting friendships with those who are part of the Oak Springs community. Chuck was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Aroma Park Boat Club. While his love of sports was evident, it could not match his love for friends and family. He was a devoted son and brother. Through his kind, personable manner, Chuck made fast friends with countless people, and many of those relationships stood the test of time. His greatest affections were reserved for Patricia and the family she shared with him, including daughter Kelly Wilkinson, her husband, Eric, and granddaughters Kathryn, Kassidy and Kaylie. As Chuck's courageous battle with cancer ended, they were constantly by his side. Chuck is also survived by his father, of Kankakee; brothers Mike (Cindy), of Limestone; John, of Limestone; Bill (Leah) of Mayfield, Kentucky; and Dan (Kelly) of Rileyville, Virginia. He is also survived by one niece and 12 nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his mother; brother Ed; and infant brother Robert. Friends and family are invited to bid a fond farewell to Chuck on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon at Jensen Funeral Home, Illinois Route 17 East, Kankakee. A memorial service will take place at noon where friends and family will be invited to make remarks about their memories and experiences with Chuck. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. at Kankakee Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Lunch will follow at the Aroma Park Boat Club.