Charles “Chuck” Portilia, age 55 of Kenosha, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Friday, September 8, 2017, at Wheaton Franciscan-Franklin.

Born in Kenosha on October 21, 1961, he was the son of the late Romano and Loretta Mae (Klacynski) Portilia.  Chuck was a product of local schools, first attending St. Mary Elementary School and was a 1979 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School.  Following high school Chuck went on to Carthage College where he was a 1985 graduate and had proudly played football under Coach Art Keller.

On September 8, 1990 at St. Mary Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Beth Venn.

For many years, Chuck owned and operated The Distillery Bar and Restaurant on North Sheridan Rd., after which he began his insurance career as an Independent Insurance Agent with Schlax, Christensen & Lee Insurance Agency in downtown Kenosha.

Chuck was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  He was passionate about football and had coached youth football in Kenosha for many years.  Chuck enjoyed cooking, fishing and was an enthusiastic Chicago Bear fan.  He will always be remembered as a passionate family man.

He is survived by his former wife, Beth Portilia; his daughter, Alexandra Mae Portilia of Green Bay; his brother, Brian Portilia of Kenosha; his two nephews, Brian (Jennifer) and Brock (Nadia) Portilia, both of Kenosha; his great nephews, Brian and Oliver; his great nieces, Zoe and Phoebe; and a grandson on the way.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Nancy Portilia.

Service Info

Funeral Services honoring Chuck’s life will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7300 Block of 39th Avenue. Private interment will take place.