Charles F. Brotz (known to most as 'Chuck') is one of those people who you never know where he'll pop up. He was one of the backbones of the community, not drawing too much attention to himself but living an open gay life, and pitching in where and when needed.

Living in Milwaukee most of his adult life, Chuck was active in softball in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as other sports groups. He was elected to the SSBL (Saturday Softball Beer League) Hall of Fame in 2007.

Chuck also served on the Board of Directors of the Cream City Foundation (CCF), serving several years as its Vice President, and working on fundraising, including the 'Foundation Communtity Center', an attempt by CCF to establish a place for LGBTQ groups to meet long before the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center was founded.

Originally from Sheboygan Wisconsin, Chuck went to Sheboygan High School, and then studied at Carroll University as well as the University of Iowa, earning a Masters degree in Public Affairs. He also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1972-78.

Professionally, Chuck worked for the State of Wisconsin in Madison until 1983, then moved to Milwaukee working for the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services until his retirement. In retirement he fell in love with Mexico, eventually getting a permanent resident visa for Mexico and spending most of his time in Puerta Vallarta.

Unfortunately, during retirement Chuck also increased his alcohol consumption and became addicted to recreational drugs. In 2022 he went into recovery and became clean and sober for the remainder of his life.

Late in 2023 Chuck was diagnosed with cancer and suffered from some dementia/ Alzheimers effects, and moved back to Wisconsin for health reasons. He passed away early the morning of Wednesday September 18, 2024 in Sheboygan. His obituary included the following:

Charles “Chuck” F. Brotz
Sep 29, 1952 - Sep 18, 2024

Charles (Chuck) F. Brotz, age 71, of Sheboygan (formerly of Milwaukee), died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, following a short stay at Lakehouse in Sheboygan. He was born on September 29, 1952, to the late Walter and Anna Marie Nack Brotz.

Chuck attended St. Peter Claver grade school and graduated from Sheboygan South High School in 1971. He then went to Carroll College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a minor in History. His education continued at The University of Iowa, with Master’s degree in Public Affairs. He served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1972-78.

Following graduation Chuck worked for the State of Wisconsin in Madison until 1983. Chuck then moved to Milwaukee accepting a job as a budget analyst and then director for Milwaukee County Health & Human Services for 27 years. After his retirement in 2010 he spent the winter months in Puerta Vallarta. His summer months were spent playing in a softball league for many years where he made many friends. He loved following the Milwaukee Brewers, Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, knowing all their history and stats.

Survivors include his two sisters and his brother. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives, and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, sister and two brothers-in-law.

In accordance with Chuck’s wishes, no services will be held. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Sheboygan. The family would like to thank the staff at Lakehouse and Compassus Hospice for their loving care and support.