Charles "Chuck" L. Breese

Charles “Chuck L. Breese

Charles “Chuck” L. Breese, 65, of DeKalb, died on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his family at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.  He was born on January 28, 1960, at 3 pounds and 14 ounces, in DeKalb.  

Law enforcement was always his passion starting his career with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Auxiliary.  He continued as a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy then became Waterman Chief of Police.  When he had down time, he was an avid train “Geek.”  

Thanks to the Waterman Police Department for the following tribute:

 In Memory of Former Chief Chuck Breese 

It is with profound sadness that the Waterman Police Department announces the passing of former Chief of Police Charles “Chuck” Breese.

Chief Breese served the Village of Waterman with unwavering dedication for over three decades. He began his service with our department in 1987. After a distinguished tenure with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Chuck stepped into the role of Chief of Police in 2001—a position he held with honor and integrity until his retirement in 2018.

Even in retirement, Chief Breese never stopped supporting this department. Through his work with our auxiliary program, he continued to offer guidance, mentorship, and a steady presence. His heart never left this village—nor the badge he wore so proudly.

For those of us who served alongside him, Chuck was more than a supervisor—he was family. He led by example, cared deeply for his officers, and practiced community policing long before it became a buzzword. He was the kind of leader who showed up—no matter the hour, no matter the call. His calm demeanor, steadfast integrity, and deep compassion earned him the respect of all who knew him.

Chief Breese loved this village—not just as a place to serve, but as a place to belong. A lifelong train enthusiast, Chuck found a special connection to Waterman's roots as a rail town. He could often be found admiring passing freight cars or sharing stories about trains and their role in shaping the community's past.

He also had a deep connection with the people who made up Waterman. The children and elderly held a special place in his heart. It was not uncommon to see him visiting with residents at the Garden Apartments or tossing a football with kids at the park after school. These weren’t photo ops, they were real moments, because that’s who he was. Present. Humble. Genuine.

Those who knew him also knew not to schedule anything important during a Chicago Blackhawks game. Chuck was a diehard fan, and his work schedule often “mysteriously adjusted” around playoff season.

Chief Breese personally selected many of the officers who have served—and some who still serve—this community. He mentored us, stood beside us, and taught us what it truly means to wear this badge with pride. Today, we mourn not only the loss of a former chief, but the loss of a friend, a teacher, and a cornerstone of our department’s history.

Please keep his family, friends, and all those who served with him in your thoughts during this difficult time.

We are who we are today because of him.

Rest easy, Chief. We've got it from here.

Waterman Police Department

He is survived by his two sisters, Sue (Bob Myers) Breese, and Marie (Bill) Breese Dabrowski, and several nephews and a niece.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel (Breezy) and Phyllis Breese, and a brother, Ron Breese Sr. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:30am at the funeral home with Pastor Jonathan Crail officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.