Charles Brookins Sr

Charles Brookins Sr. (Chuck), 79 years old of Cottage Grove passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2015 at St Joseph's hospital in St Paul, MN.

Funeral will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Visitation will be Monday, September 14, 2015 6:00-9:00 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S; Cottage Grove, MN and also one hour prior at church.

He was born August 31, 1936 in Rivers Falls, WI to Wally and Avery Brookins. Chuck married Gwen Gerberding on September 27, 1969 at Mt Olivet church in Minneapolis. They built their home on the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove in 1979 where they raised their family.

The avid trumpet player and swimmer, then known as "Buddy Brookins", graduated from Murray High School in St Paul in 1954. He then continued his passion for swimming at the University of Minnesota on their swim team. After leaving college, he worked for 3M in St Paul then went on to a long and successful real estate career in the Cottage Grove area.

Chuck had a passion for boating and traveling via motorhome to watch his kids play sports around the state over the years. He loved going to Hawaii with his wife, Gwen, spending time with family, watching his grandkids play sports, and enjoying the river's view from his deck. His favorite restaurant was Chuck's steakhouse in Honolulu, HI where he and Gwen spent many evenings soaking in Hawaii's beauty. In recent years, Chuck's most important job was what he called "Princess Service", transporting his princess, Gwen, to and from the airport for her flights. His family was his world. Chuck's kindness, understanding nature, and gentle spirit will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gwen; 6 children, Cara (Adam) Flod, Charles Jr. (Amy), Christopher, Cynthia, Daniel (Jean), Diane (Gary) Houdek; 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; brother, Carleton (Jean) and sister, Louise Korus. He is preceded in death by his parents Wally and Avery Brookins.