Charles Hutchinson Obituary

Charles "Chuck" Robert Hutchinson Jr., age 84, of Bloomington, Minn. passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2024, at Founder's Ridge in Bloomington, Minn., following a three-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Rochester, Minn. on February 6, 1940, to Charles Robert and Elsa Bach Hutchinson, the oldest of three children. He is survived by his brother John (Sharon), sister Sally, five children: Charles (Chuck) Hutchinson III (Julie), Cynthia (Cindy) Dowson (Scott), Carrie Young (Joe), Craig Hutchinson, Carla Veum (Cory); and nine grandchildren: Charles (Charlie) Hutchinson IV, Laurel Hutchinson, Madeline Dowson, Anna Dowson, Michael Dowson, Emma Young, Elizabeth Young, Noah Veum, and Nicole Veum.
Chuck grew up in Rochester, Minn., and graduated from Rochester High School in 1958. He went on to earn his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mankato State University. He spent his career working for the State of Minnesota in various roles consistently serving those with disabilities, and specifically supporting programs for the blind. Chuck was active in local politics and was a firm believer that "we all do better when we all do better" to quote the late Senator Paul Wellstone.
Chuck was an avid sailor and longtime member of Wayzata Yacht Club, where he spent many weekends racing the Banshee on Lake Minnetonka. During the month of January, he'd escape the cold Minnesota winters by trailering the Banshee down south to race in Key West, Fla. While his first love was sailing, Chuck also obtained his private pilot's license later in life and was fascinated by aviation. He was a lifelong learner, always up for a new hobby to study and enjoy. In his 70s he continued his education by auditing history classes at the University of Minnesota.
But more than anything else in the world, Chuck treasured time with his kids and grandkids. He was a regular spectator at the baseball field, the football field, the hockey rink, the soccer pitch, the volleyball court, and the dance studio. He always said that he wanted to stay on this earth as long as he could enjoy quality time with his kids, and when the effects of Parkinson's Disease took that from him, he knew it was his time to pass peacefully.
A private family burial will be held on Oct. 30 at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Minn. The family is planning a Celebration of Life where all are welcome and will update the memorial website with that information when it's scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research