CHARLES LEROY HAWKINS
August 14, 1948 – January 16, 2011

Charles LeRoy Hawkins, age 62, of Menahga, MN, peacefully entered eternity on Sunday morning, January 16, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Area Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.
Chuck was born on August 14, 1948 in Park Rapids, MN to Earl and Marie (Michels) Hawkins. He attended St. Peters Catholic School in Park Rapids through the eighth grade and then went on to Park Rapids Public High School, graduating with the Class of 1967. Chuck then attended Bemidji State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Chuck was united in marriage to Gail Kathleen Leritz on July 24, 1971 at the Bethany Lutheran Church west of Menahga. This union was blessed with one son, Anthony. Chuck’s skill as a meat cutter was appreciated by his employers, the Menahga Coop Locker Plant and since the late 80’s J&B Foods in Park Rapids. After more than 40 years in the meat cutting trade, he retired in August of 2010. Chuck loved the out doors; especially, when he could be fishing, hunting or spending time around a camp fire with family and friends. He enjoyed theadventure of hunting for lost treasure with his metal detector. Chuck gained a great deal of knowledge in successful fishing and hunting technique and enjoyed sharing this with his family and friends. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Menahga and enjoyed being part of the Menahga-Sebeka United Methodist Fishing League. He was an enthusiastic MN Twins and Vikings fan. Chuck enjoyed traveling through the states west of the Mississippi.
He will be survived by his wife, Gail of Menahga; his son, Anthony (Angie) Hawkins of Fargo; sister, Patricia (Jeff) Zeller of Park Rapids and brother, Darwin (Vickie) Hawkins of Puposky, MN; special family friends: Jessica and Joe Hensel and Kelly Dudley and Kim Harrington; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and one infant nephew.
Services will be held 11 AM Friday, January 21, 2011 at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Pastor Steven Koehne of the Menahga United Methodist Church officiating. Kim Harrington will sing, “He Can Be Found”. The congregational hymn will be: “This Is My Father’s World” and a special musical & video tribute of “I Can Only Imagine” will be played. Honorary casket bearers will be his brothers-in-law: Greg Giese, Jeff Zeller, Dan Michels, Phil Leritz, Jay O’Sullivan and Dave Sauer. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.