Charles “Chuck” E. Reilly

Charles “Chuck” E. Reilly, age 84 of Wautoma, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at his home. He was born March 22, 1940 in Wautoma, the son of James Ivan and Anna Marie (Doerfler) Reilly. He married the former Mary J. Lannoye on November 5, 1960 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2021.
Chuck was the 1958 homecoming king and a 1959 graduate of Wautoma High School. He attended the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and went on to serve his country in Newfoundland, Canada and then Greece. After the military, he became a topperforming agent for General Life Insurance until earning his captains license and launching a long and successful charter fishing career out of the Port of Sheboygan. The Waushara was one of the first charter fishing services in the area and Captain Chuck was a respected mentor to others in the trade. He retired in 1996 and then enjoyed many years traveling and fishing with his wife, Mary. Chuck was a 40-year member of the Wautoma Masonic Lodge, a volunteer driver to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and enjoyed riding with the Zor Mavericks in parades. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was always drawn to the water. He enjoyed retirement with his wife between Bughs Lake in Wautoma and Bradenton, Florida.
He is survived by two daughters, Wendy (Kenneth) Appel, Wautoma, Lisa (Davide) Spadoni, Madison; two grandchildren, J.C. (Ashley) Appel and Matthew Spadoni; two great grandchildren, Aubrielle Appel and Spencer Appel; one brother, Harvey (Delores) Reilly, Wautoma; three sisters-in-law, Janice Reilly, Wautoma, Jane Reilly, Waupun. and Mary Lou Reilly, Plover. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James R. Reilly, Richard J. Reilly, Wayne A. Reilly and his infant brother, Thomas Reilly; sister-in-law, Betty Reilly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma from 9:30 a.m. until a Masonic Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a traditional funeral service with Rev. Stephanie Taylor officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery in Wautoma.
A memorial will be established in Chuck’s memory to benefit Bughs Lake Management District in Wautoma.
The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com
Captain Chuck Reilly 1940-2024
Fair winds and following seas.