Charles "Chuck" J. "Chuck" Frey

Charles "Chuck" Jerry Frey, 76, passed away August 16, 2025 in Peoria, IL.

Chuck was born in Hustisford, Wisconsin to Robert C. Frey and Dorothy (Kusch), grew up in Hartford, WI and attended Milton College, where he graduated first in his class. After some time in divinity school at Garrett Seminary at Northwestern, he got his Master's in English literature at Western Illinois University in Macomb. It was there he met his future wife and fellow English instructor Yvonne (Amar). Chuck and Yvonne married September 20, 1975 and had their son Benedict in 1978.

Upon receiving a second Master's Degree from the University of Illinois in 1979, Chuck pivoted from teaching by joining Bradley University as an librarian for the engineering college and later, as an associate professor. He built the Virginius H. Chase Special Collections Center at the Cullom-Davis Library from the ground up, developing a center to restore rare books and artwork and local historical artifacts on Peoria and Bradley history. Chuck worked at Bradley for 40 years until retiring in 2019.

He loved photography, the Chicago & North Western Railroad, watches (echoing Bradley's origins as a horology institute), and spending time with his family. Chuck was a member of the Peoria Knights of Columbus, and on the board of the Peoria Historical Society, Jubilee College, and the Friends of Bradley University.

Survivors include his wife Yvonne, son Ben, daughter-in-law Kerry, granddaughters Sylvia and Louise, and numerous cousins.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:30 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Fr. Stephen Willard will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Preferred memorials in Chuck's memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Church or Bradley University Library.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos, celebrate memories, and share Chuck's memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)