Charles Charlie Urquiza , September 16, 1938 — July 10, 2018

Charles “Charlie” G. Urquiza, 79, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Kewanee, died Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Hospital, Peoria. He was born in Kewanee on September 16, 1938 and was the son of Simon and Felicia (Perez) Urquiza. He graduated from Wethersfield High School where he was active in sports; basketball, football, and excelled at pole vaulting.

He was student council president and graduated with the Class of 1956. Charles married Karen Weissenrieder, who is the mother of his… Read More » surviving son, Eric. They later divorced.

Charlie is survived by his son, Eric (Isabelle) Urquiza, Evanston, IL; life partner, Virginia Wise, Chicago; granddaughter, Maria Urquiza, Chicago; sister, Beatrice Coates, Princeton; and brother Richard (Amelia) Urquiza, El Paso, TX. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends who loved his humor and generous spirit. He also was loved and will be missed by Chris and Aura Wise and Jonathan Wise.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank and Jesse; three sisters, Juanita, Linda, and Nellie. Charlie proudly served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany where he lived for several years and loved speaking German. He worked as a graphic artist and owned his own business in Chicago.

He then became the Art Director for Prairie State Signs, a division of Polar Hardware, Chicago. He loved music and played the bluegrass fiddle. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls.

Charlie was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Christmas was a wonderful celebration for family. He has been remodeling his family home in Kewanee for many years.

It was a labor of love and he designed the new layout. Many wonderful times are enjoyed by family and friends in this home. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home, Kewanee.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Father Johndamaseni Zilimu to officiate. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Wethersfield Music Boosters Club. Please share a memory or an online condolence for his family at www.

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