Charles W. Brace

Charles Walter Brace passed away on July 28, 2025. Born February 17, 1967, Charles was the beloved only child of Art and Sue Brace. Cherished by his parents and grandparents, Charles grew up in Lombard, Wheaton, and Winfield, Illinois and later settled in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Young Chuck enjoyed playing Little League and basketball, participating in the Boy Scouts, and developing a lifelong passion for sports cars. With the addition of a puppy to the family, Chuck’s love of animals began at an early age. Many beloved dogs and cats were part of his life, and he loved nothing more than spoiling each pet.

Baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Adalbert Church, Chuck was confirmed and later strengthened his faith into adulthood through his local parish youth group.

Charles graduated in 1985 from Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Illinois and completed his undergraduate studies at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. During his university years, Charles joined Delta Upsilon and developed meaningful, lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. He then continued his education at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School earning his Juris Doctor (JD) and finally the John Marshall Law School (now the University of Illinois Chicago Law School) earning his Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Charles returned to the Chicago area to establish the Law Offices of Charles W. Brace, P.C. in 1997. Charles was well known for serving his clients with commitment, integrity, and professionalism.

Having spent summers enjoying water sports at his grandparents’ Lake Geneva home, Charles was drawn to boating in both practice and art with many ship models and paintings displayed throughout his home.

A European tour during his twenties sparked a love of travel and an admiration of antiques, architecture and classical art forms. Throughout his life, Charles found joy curating a stunning collection of artwork, vintage books, and antiques which were artfully styled at home or gifted to loved ones.

Developing a passion for genealogical research, Charles was able to preserve many family memories. He noted that it particularly pleased him that the home he purchased in Lincoln Park was within walking distance of homes of previous generations of family members. Charles enjoyed sharing his love for family ancestry research by collaborating with cousins, and he had hoped to one day travel to Poland to visit the hometown of his ancestors.

Throughout his life, Charles continued to prioritize his faith through his local parish and keeping his Bible and rosary close by.

Charles was a cherished son, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and colleague. His quick smile and wit, intelligence, determination, artistic touch and loyalty defined his approach to life, and he will be greatly missed.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; Arthur Walter Omiecinski Brace and Susan Mary Brace, née Bonk; his paternal grandparents, Walter George Omiecinski and Mary Theresa Omiecinski, née Turlo; his maternal grandparents, Charles S. Bonk and Harriet M. Bonk, née Karbowski; and uncles, Raymond Edward Omiecinski and Kenneth Walter Omiecinski Brace.

Charles is survived by his aunts, Sharon Omiecinski and Marta Brace; cousins, Scott Omiecinski (Kristina), Cheryl Yadron (Tom), and Walter Brace (Alison), as well as many extended family and friends.

Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. A private family memorial will take place at a later date.