"Charlie was the best, he helped me learn how to study in school and we spent many nights solving world problems and telling and sharing a few storys, with a few beverages. I will miss you my friend."
In loving memory of
Charles Hawk
November 21, 1947 - November 20, 2010
St. Charles,
Charles D. "Charlie" Hawk, DDS, 62, of St. Charles died Saturday morning November 20, 2010 at his home, as a result of ALS.
Charlie was born November 21, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA to Dr. Dale and Vivian (Lentz) Hawk. As a child, he moved with his family to St. Charles. In 1965 he graduated from St. Charles High School. Following high school he attended Rochester Community College for two years. In 1968 he entered the military and joined the reserves. In 1969 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1973, where he earned his gold wings as an air crewman on the P-3C Orien aircraft. Following his discharge from the Navy, Charlie enrolled at Mankato State University, graduating in 1977 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. He then entered the University Of Minnesota School Of Dentistry, graduating in 1981. Following graduation, Charlie returned to St. Charles, his home and joined in dental practice with Dr. Bob Wright, later purchasing the practice from him. Charlie cared about each and every one of his patients. He retired from Dentistry August 18, 2006.
Charlie and Sherrie Brown were married August 25, 1984 in Lewiston. They made their home in St. Charles.
Charlie was an active 25 year member of the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge of St. Charles, where he served as Master twice. Locally, he had been a Cub Scout Den Leader, belonged to Faith Lutheran Church, the St. Charles Moose Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5630, American Legion Post 190, Scottish Rite , Rochester Area Shrine Club, Ducks Unlimited and the St. Charles Public Safety Commission. Professionally Charlie belonged to: the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, American Dental Assoc., Minnesota Dental Association, Zumbro Valley Dental Society, Minnesota Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Rochester Occlusion Study Club. Charlie was honored on April 3rd by attending the U.S. Veterans Honor Flight in Washington D.C., was named 2010 Grand Marshall of the St. Charles Gladiolus Days and recognized with the City of St. Charles 2010 Heros Among Us Award.
He enjoyed skiing, golfing, sailing and basketball. Charlie loved to follow local sports, especially going to his kids�'¢?TM ballgames. His pride and joy were his 1957 Ford Truck and his Beamer.
Survivors include his wife Sherrie, a daughter Emily Lynn and son Austin Charles, parents Dr. Dale and Vivian Hawk, two brothers, Elliott (Gail) Hawk of Eagan and Dr. Steve (Lois) Hawk of Leesburg, FL, parents-in-law Roger and Marilyn Brown of Trempealeau, WI a sister-in-law Deb (Tom) Slavin of St. Charles, two brothers-in-law, Greg Fort of St. Charles and Jeff (Jeni) Brown of Holmen, WI. He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Karen Fort.
Funeral Services will be 11AM Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with The Reverend Steven McGinley of Faith Lutheran Church officiating and the Reverend James Callahan assisting. The St. Charles Veterans of War and American Legion Posts will conduct military honors following services. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8PM Tuesday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. A Masonic Service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Charlie at his on-line Guestbook and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice, ALS and St. Charles Academic Excellence
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/177418
Tributes
"I only talked with Charlie a few short times, but I do know that he always made your eyes light up Sherrie, so I know you were very happy. Charlie was a very good man. God bless you, Sherrie, Emily and Austin. "
"Charlie was such a nice person with a heart of gold. He lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Sherrie and family, and the Hawk family."
"I have not spoken to Dr. Charles Hawk for years, but I have thought of him often. I never had the opportunity to tell him how much of an inspiration he has been to me and for that I am deeply regretful. Growing up in St. Charles, I never had too many people believe in me. Dr. Hawk was one of the few people who always had words of encouragement. He would relay them through my sister Bouakhay, who used to work with him. As I pursue my own dreams of attending dental school, it was Dr. Charles Hawk's kinds words and belief in me that keeps me focused and motivated. My life has been profoundly changed and has been deeply touched by this wonderful man. My deepest sympathies to his family."
"Charles was a wonderful and caring man. When I got a 6 year old foster daughter years ago...no insurance...dead black decayed tooth in the center of her smile..he met with me and removed for no cost the damaged tooth...smiled at her and said "you have such a pretty smile now". For many many years he accepted my foster children knowing that the county would pay only "part" of the bill...but it was important to him that they have their dental needs met...he did not "care" about the money. When he sold his business he chatted with the new dentist in town about what he does for " my kids" and the new dentist promised to also watch over them. Dr.Hawk was going to retire but still wanted to make sure my kids were taken care of........there are no dentists anywhere around like him any more. Charles Hawk was "one of a kind"..and the world was a better place because of him."
"I knew Charlie when we were kids. I was in Elliot's grade, but Charlie was a friend. The last time I talked to him was at my brother Curt's house, for his wife Donna's 50th birthday party. Charlie and I talked about our cars. It was an interest we had in common. He loved talking about his old Chevy Pickup that he'd restored, and I shared stories about my restored '65 Chevy Impala. I'm sure he'll be missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"Sherry and family; My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.I am so very sorry for your loss, Charlie was a wonderful man, and his attributes will always be seen within your children, never forget the joys he gave you, they will live forever.God be with you during this time, to help you accept, understand, and support you in many ways.Charlie will be missed, he gave all so many gifts."
"My deepest sympathy to your family at your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time and the days that lay ahead!"
"Our deepest sympathy to the Hawk Family! Charlie was such a wonderful man and well respected by many! He was so kind and a great person in so many ways! He will be greatly missed but remembered for so many reasons! You are all in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time! God Bless, Regan and Tara McConnell"
"Dr. Hawk showed us how to live graciously, lovingly and courageously. He was upbeat and forthright. He cared about each and every person he encountered. His attitude and his values shine through Sherrie, Emily and Austin. He left a legacy of love and solid character. Our family is proud to have called him "friend." "
"It was such a pleasure watching Charlie grow up through all his life phases. When he set his mind on dental school, no detours kept him from achieving it. Charlie accepted his diagnosis with a strong faith and a determination to live as long as possible. He was pleasant, enjoyed nature, and gave us thrills on the sailboat. We'll miss him on any future fishing trips. He was the best fishing guide ever! We treasure the time we spent with him, at Lake Pepin, and at his home, with his family, just this past July. We know he's in safe keeping and we'll always treasure our memories of Charlie. Love to all the family, Uncle Gene and Aunt Janet"
"My deepest sympathy is extended to Sherrie and the rest of the family. It was always great to see Charlie around town and continuing to be involved even when his health was continuing to go downhill. The community did a wonderful tribute to him during Gladiolus Days. He made every effort to continue on and enjoy life and family to the fullest. May he be sailing and flying high above us from now on. All of us can take a great lesson from Charlie!"
"My deepest sympathy Sherry and kids at the loss of your husband/dad. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace now. Jane Gerold My Mom, Adeline Schneider would also like me to send her sympathy to you at this time."
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Sherrie and to your family. We would always enjoy talking to Charlie when we would run into you two. I'll never forget the thrilling sailboat ride that you two took me on across Lake Pepin! Our thoughts are with you and your family."
"Sherrie, Emily, Austin, and Family, May family, friends, and your faith get you through this time. Charlie was a true friend. His gentleness and compassion to help and care for others was seen each and every day at work. He inspired many through his courage and strength these past few years. For you Charlie, my hope is that you are enjoying the gift of heaven with endless days of fishing, sailing, and walking Maynard. Thank you for being a friend all these years and a terrific boss to work for. "
"Keeping you in our prayers, and trusting that God will bring you comfort in the days ahead. "
"Dear Sherri and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss; Charlie was truly a caring, compassionate man and will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathy Dean and Kayone Majerus "
"Sherrie, I never met Dr. Hawk but I am sure he was a wonderful man. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time. The Caddell Family"
"To: Sherrie, Emily, Austin, Dale, Vivan, Elliot, Steve and families At this time of profound loss and sadness, I felt that you may need a little silliness. The rose from "Firecracker Sue" is from me. The rest of the story: I was sitting on my front steps minding my own business; Charlie threw a firecracker out our front door as one of our teachers was walking by. In case I thought it may have been Elliot, Charlie wrote a note in my annual addressed to "Firecracker Sue", hence the name on the card. Love and Prayers "Firecracker Sue""
"When we talk about Charlie, the words "what a man & what a fight" are always part of the conversation! We're thinking about you and we're here if you need anything. Jim, Sandy & Cody"
"Charlie was a model for all with his gentle nature. He was so upbeat and I looked forward to his smile. My sympathy goes out to Sherrie, Emily and Austin. May you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. The community of St. Charles will sorely miss Charlie"
"We are going to miss our true friend Charlie in so many ways. Our fondest memories of spending time watching the boys play football and other sporting activities. It was always a pleasure to have him come join in the fun with the Cowboys vs Vikings games at our house. Listening to all his experiences and funny stories. He was an amazing man who truly enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest!! Sherrie, Emily and Austin our deepest sympathy goes out to you all please let us know if we can do anything for you anytime! Love you all."
"Sherrie, I justed wanted to let you know I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Charlie, but from seeing all the wonderful things people are saying, he must of been a very special man. You are surround by a lot of warm and caring people, they will carry you through these sad times. I remember you as our neighbor from years ago, and you were such a nice person. Many good memories.... God bless."
"To let you know that we are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. Our sympathies to the extended family and to Sherrie, Emily and Austin."
"My thoughts go out to the Hawk family and the St.Charles Community. I was able to have lunch with Charlie last month in Preston where we shared stories of the Navy, sailing, family, and friends. His smile on these topics, and many more, made me realize how much he really enjoyed life. He will not be forgotten. This quote is for Dale, Vivian, and all of Charlie's family & friends. "Sorrow comes to all. Perfect relief is not possible... except with time. You can not now realize that you will ever feel better. And yet... you are sure to be happy again". Abraham Lincoln"
"We just wanted you to know how deeply saddened we were to hear of the passing of Charlie. He was such a wonderful man! I (Lani) loved to talk to him at coffee in the mornings. We would talk about the upcoming sports season or games for Aaron and Austin. We feel blessed to have known such a wonderful man. There will be an empty spot in the gym that can never be filled. If we can ever be of any help to you please let us know! You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Though it has been since grade school that Charlie and I were friends, I certainly agree with everyone who admired him. I believe it was just before we entered Miss Thiede's fifth grade that the Hawks moved into the house behind ours. I was intrigued seeing Charlie focusing on something behind his garage and went to meet "the new kid." He was examining an old lightbulb from the house, which had been relegated to the junk pile, and he proceeded to give me a thorough explanation of how and why it worked. Needless to say, I was very impressed, much more with him than the lightbulb, but didn't realize how much his life would impact countless people. I was blessed to have been even a very small part of his life. My deepest sympathies go to his family, Bonnie"
""
"To the Hawk family, I am saddened to hear of your loss. Charlie was a very good man, and a great dentist. You and your family are in my prayers"
"I remember Charlie loved to sail. He generously offered to take Yves, our foreign exchange student from Switzerland, and me sailing. That must have been the summer of 1981 or 82. We had a beautiful afternoon of sailing Lake Pepin on his Catamaran. He really knew how to go fast with only the power of the wind. It was a thrilling experience. What a great memory!! Please accept my condolences. Your family will be in my prayers. Jay "
"Just as with so many other people in the community Charlie was our family dentist. Our children never were afraid to go to and see Dr. Hawk. They knew there would always be time for a game of checkers before it was their turn to see him. They loved sitting in the little wooden desk that was in the waiting room and reading books. Charlie was always so calm and gentle with each of them. Dr. Hawk left us with some wonderful memories of our children growing up. He will be greatly missed by all. May God be with all of Charlie's family now and in the future. With our deepest sympathy, The Luehmann's"
"I send my most sincere sympathy to the Hawk family. Chuck was a good, kind and gentle friend in high school. May God give you all strength and keep you in his loving care at this most difficult time."
"Charlie was a good friend of mine and a classmate in dental school at the University of Minnesotal. I will always remember him for his good nature, kindness, gentleness, sharp mind, his sense of humor and his enthusiasm for life. We had some great times together at school, in our dental frat, and sailing on lake pepin. I hadn't seen much of Charlie in recent years but I feel a deep sense of loss at his passing. He was just a great person and will be missed by all who's lives he touched. My deepest sympathy to his family."
"I knew Charlie in dental school and he was a great chum. We spent many hours at the dental fraternity and I remember Charlie often contemplating how much of what we were learning was actually practically applicable in dental practice. He was a soft spoken, deep and centered individual who you almost instantly respected. I hadn't seen him for many years now but I will always remember that mischievous smile and soft chuckle."
"My dad was very proud to have hired and worked with Charlie. It meant a lot to him that the practice continued in such capable hands. I visited the office many times in those years when both Bob and Charlie worked at the dental shop, and have fond memories of conversations with Charlie and all the wonderful staff that worked in the office in those years. I feel very lucky to have gotten to know Charlie. From all of the Wrights to the Hawk family, our condolences, love and prayers."
"My deepest sympathy to all of the Hawk family. I grew up with the Hawk family entwined with mine.Charlie was a good friend of my brother Scott. and Steve was a good friend o9f my brother Rollie' My parents golfed,bowled many fishing trips for my Dad and Dale, and many times spent at Lake Pepin.May you all bond together and find strength with each o9ther.Love Sheri"
"I don't think I will ever meet a gentler, kinder man than Charlie; he will be missed dearly by friends, family and the entire community. My hear is with you all, in sympathy and friendship, today and all the days ahead!"
"Charlie and I were two ships passing in the night as we met as summer workers at the cannery in Plainview and many years later, again, at my marriage to his classmate and dear friend, Jane. Who would know that our paths would cross and intertwine so many years later into a dear friendship. We loved Charlie for his love of life, joy in arguing politics, love of sailing and his passion for family outings. Over the years we came to long for our late autumn dinners together at the Harbor View Cafe in Pepin. We were blessed to have spent time with Charlie, Sherrie and children in Mexico a couple of years ago, riding dune buggies and whale watching and he still could drink more beers than anyone else. We share everyone's loss of Charlie and extend our dearest condolences to Sherrie, Emily and Austin and the Hawk's extended family. I'm sure Charlie is enjoying all the smiles he helped create with his goodness, kindness and professional skills. May he rest in peace. Love and Prayers, Jane and John Cavanaugh "
"Charlie was a huge part of my education. Charlie, Scott Smith, John Schaad and I rented a duplex off W. 2nd St. in Rochester during our studies at Rochester JC. Talk about quality time! Charlie had his '41 Caddy cruiser and VW bug, Smith a Jeep or two and I always had a hotrod Ford. Cruising, and parties and studies and learning to smoke! I think Charlie had us beat on that count. I could tell more stories, but not here. My deepest condolences to Charlie's family and friends. I will miss him--It's too soon."
"Charles "Dr. Hawk" was such a great man!! He was so caring and always had a smile on his face. I was soo saddened when I heard he was diagnosed with ALS... my heart broke thinking about him and his family. He's now an angel and is pain free, he will now watch over his family and friends. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" My deepest sympathy's to Sherrie, Emily & Austin <3 "
"Charlie was a great asset to the community and a great family man. Always with a smile and soft greeting we enjoyed him as our dentist and client and friend. Since we are in Arizona we cannot attend the service but we will keep the him and the family in our prayers. He was just a great guy. "
"Charlie's dad and my dad are brothers, so I've had the good fortune of knowing him all my life. When my big cousin Charlie came to Grandma's, in Ohio, I knew I was in for a very fun time. He's always been an inspiration to me, and that feeling grew all the stronger as I watched him cope with his illness. His courage, strength, acceptance, and sense of humor knew no limits. His family was everything to him, and they provided him with incredible love, pride, and support. Love, prayers, and deepest sympathy to Sherrie, Emily, Austin, Uncle Dale, Aunt Viv, Elliott, Gail, Steve, Lois, Eric, and Stephanie."
"I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the Hawk Family. Although, I did not really know Charlies, I did know the family. My brother always speaks very highly of the family. God Bless, Lil (Loeffler) Bartholomew"
"Our sincere sympathies go out to the entire family during this trying time in your life, try to stay strong. Charlie was an inspiration to all that knew him. Charlie might be gone from this earth now, but he will never be forgotten. Until we all meet again Charlie..............."
"Our sincere sympathy to The whole family. We were so happy Charlie & his father, both were able to go on the 'Honor Flight'. Charlie looked so happy in the Gladiola Days Parade, & his honor of 'Heroes Among Us'. He was always smiling, & loved by all. Love & Prayers, Tom & Olivia Heim"
"Sorry to hear of your loss. Charlie was my dentist for many years. He and Vernon were Masons together for many years. I always remember Charlie was there to help dish out the ice cream and strawberries. Adele and Vernon Zander"
"Our thoughs and prayers are with you and your family. Charlie will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathy."
"We are sad at the passing of Charlie. He was a true gentleman. People always say kind things about the dead, but in Charlie's case it is all so fitting. Always a smile, always encouraging, one of those people you like to see. A great father, and a dedicated professional. Anyone who knew him would say the same. The world has lost a gentle, good man. May God bless and rest his soul. With love to the family, Pastor Mark and Lynn"
"God's blessings to you, Sherrie, Emily and Austin in your time of sorrow. Charlie was a great man and a friend to all he met. He definitely was St. Charles's Hometown Hero. May all of your memories and the love of all who know you help you get through this difficult time and may God keep you all close to his heart. In friendship and love, Greg and Patti Feuerhelm"
"We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Hawk's passing. Our family just loved him as our dentist. We also enjoyed it when Dr. Hawk and Austin would drive the '57 Ford Pick-up in our fall car cruise. We feel blessed to have known him. Please feel God's arms wrapped around you to give you peace. Love, The Rislows"
"Sherrie, Dale (Doc) and Vivion. I am sorry to hear about Charlie passing away. It has been 25 years since Charlie was my Dentist and apart of the weekly bowling league. He was a happy man and fun to talk to. I will remember him just that way. Charlie had many friends and he will be missed by many more. Again let me say, I am very sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great guy."
"St. Charles recently and appropriately honored Charlie as "The Man of the Year." For decades before his diagnosis, he has been our dear friend and the man with whom we sailed, golfed, traveled, laughed, celebrated, fished, dined and solved all the world's problems. Since his diagnosis, he has been the man who has taught us how to live our lives with dignity and to truly appreciate our friends and family. Our sympathies go out to Sherrie, Emily, and Austin, Charlie's family and to the community of St. Charles."