Charles J. Brothers (1931-2016)

Charles J. Brothers, age 85, of Kenosha, died Friday November 25^th 2016 at Kenosha Medical Center following an apparent heart attack he suffered at home.

Chuck was born in Racine on October 18^th, 1931 to Carl and Sarah (Burt) Brothers. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha and graduated from Bradford High School in 1950. He was captain of the basketball team, an honors student and was selected to attend Badger Boys State. He graduated from the Management Institute of Lake Forest College and also completed a two year engineering program at Northwestern University.

After his service in the U.S. Army, Chuck returned to the area and on April 27^th, 1957 he was united in marriage with Anita Sheridan. Chuck worked for Warwick Electronics and Thomas International; divisions of the Whirlpool Corporation. He held many corporate positions before achieving the distinction of Director of Engineering prior to his retirement in 1996. His many positions entailed travel to Europe, Mexico and Asia.

A charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church, he was instrumental in bringing the first Missouri Synod Lutheran church to Kenosha. Over the years he held several offices at the church; treasurer, elder, trustee and Sunday school teacher.

Chuck was part of the group that started the Kenosha High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was involved for 30 years. He was an athlete for his whole life; basketball, softball, tennis and golf. In 1984, after witnessing the umpiring of his son’s tennis matches, he decided to get involved. He became a professional tennis umpire and officiated at the U.S. Open in New York for 13 years (his second career in retirement). Chuck was active in the Wisconsin Tennis Association and served as president for two years.

He was a wonderful, loving father, grandfather and husband. He attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s events as he could and was always encouraging. He loved fishing with his family and friends and was an avid Badger, Packer and White Sox fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Anita, and by his sons Brad of Kenosha, Kevin (Laurie) of Pleasant Prairie, Mike of Kenosha and Matt (Jen) of Chicago and his daughter Leslie Brothers-Johnson of Youngstown OH as well as his eight beloved grandchildren, Becky, Matt, Joe, Lindsey, Noah, Veronica, Gracie, and Charlie and his brother-in law Jim (Kathy) Sheridan and their family.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, by his two sisters, Mary Carlson and Susanna Brothers and also by his wife’s parents Merle and Margaret Sheridan.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday December 10^th 2016 at 12:00 noon at Messiah Lutheran Church in Kenosha (2026-22^nd Avenue). Visitation with the family will be on Saturday at the church form 10:00AM until the time of services. Private burial will take place at Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Messiah Lutheran Church would be appreciated.