Charles D. “Chuck” Hines, 74

Charles “Chuck” Duane Hines, 74, passed away at his home in Austin, Minn., surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. He was born Jan. 3, 1950, in Austin, Minn., to Marlett and Alma (Christofferson) Hines.

Chuck married the love of his life, Pam (Kilgore), at Crane Community Chapel on Dec. 13, 1975, and together they were blessed with four children. They enjoyed attending Jimmy Buffett concerts and spending time with family and friends where it was Five O’ Clock Somewhere and “Pour me somethin’ tall and strong” usually involved a Hamm’s Beer, Coors Banquet or Weller.

He retired after 36 years as a letter carrier from the United States Postal Service in Austin, Minn., and maintained his daily activity by walking and biking many miles around the Austin community. His trusted companion, Bentley, also joined frequent ventures. Chuck also enjoyed countryside adventures on his scooter that often included stopping to enjoy a meal at a local place.

An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Gophers, Twins, Vikings and other teams. This included cheering on his grandkids at their various activities including swimming and dance.

Chuck always declared he had the best childhood living in Austin’s Crane Addition, which was filled with friends playing football and baseball often in the Hormel pasture. He graduated from Austin High School in 1968 where he excelled at track and cross country. He then enlisted into the United States Army and was a cannoneer. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Ryan (fiancée Malinda) Hines of Austin, Minn., Peter (Tonya) Hines of Owatonna, Minn., and Sara (Bill) Hines-McLain of Austin, Minn; four grandchildren, Isabella, Charlotte, Evelyn and Jameson; beloved puppy, Bentley; brothers, Jim (Barb) Hines and Mike (Connie) Hines; sisters-in-law, Kathy Hines and Jennel Hines. He was preceded in death by his son, David; his parents, Marlett and Alma Hines; and brothers, Keith Hines and Pete Hines.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Crane Community Chapel, Austin, Minn., with the Reverend Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin, Minn., and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Interment will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minn. with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and Olaf B. Damm V.F.W. Post #1216.

The family wants to express their appreciation for the outstanding care Chuck received from the teams at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and St. Croix Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, Austin, Minn., to help fight hunger and food insecurity in Mower County, the Angel Tree program, or Crane Community Chapel. Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary