Charles E. "Chuck" Hawkins, 80, of Cascade, IA, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa due to a recently diagnosed lung disease.

Due to incoming severe weather on Friday the Visitation for Chuck has been postponed until Sunday.  Visitation for Chuck will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Services for Chuck will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Cascade Community Presbyterian Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Peach and Pastor Rick Hawkins presiding.  Burial will be held in Cascade Community Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post 528.  Casketbearers for Charles will be Mike Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, Eric Hawkins, Troy Ostwinkle, Noel Ostwinkle, Billy Ostwinkle, Aron McDermott, Ryan McDermott and Travis McDermott.

Chuck was born on November 20, 1943, Dubuque, Iowa, son of Robert and Cleora (Wean) Hawkins.  He was a graduate of Monticello High School in Monticello, Iowa.  He went on to further his education and attended the University of Dubuque and Iowa State University.  On June 22, 1974, he was united in marriage to Joanne McDermott at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa.  He was a Veteran having served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Chuck was a life long crop and dairy farmer in rural Cascade.  He was a member of the Cascade Community Presbyterian Church in Cascade, Iowa.  Chuck was also a member of the Cascade American Legion Post 528 and the Grand Masonic Julien Lodge 551, member of the Farley-Epworth CEW Community.  He also was the Sexton for the Cascade Community Cemetery. He was a member of Dubuque County Farm Bureau, having served in several roles, including president. He served as a volunteer for Hospice of Dubuque and especially enjoyed his time visiting with fellow Veterans. Chuck had a beautiful singing voice and was a past member of the Dubuque Barbershoppers and the Dubuque Chorale.

Chuck was a loving and caring man who showed kindness and genuine interest in everyone he met. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He cherished every moment he was able to spend with his family. He lived life with his heart focused on Jesus. Chuck's  farming career was fulfilling for him and he was committed to conserving the land he worked. He had a gentle way with the animals on the farm. Chuck found joy in reading, a cup of coffee any time of the day, football, the Kansas City Chiefs, Case tractors, winning (and losing) at dominoes and visiting with friends and family and any stranger that crossed his path.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Joanne Hawkins of Cascade; two children, Sarah (Nathan) Weipert of Lawrence, KS, and Sean (Katrina) Hawkins of Olathe, KS; four grandchildren, Claire, Beckett, and Lyda Weipert and Eliana Hawkins; two brothers, David (Marilyn) Hawkins of Cascade, Frederick (Marilyn) Hawkins of Mount Ayr, IA; one sister, Roberta (Roy) Hayes of Roswell, NM; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernie (Kathy) McDermott of Peosta, Kenny (Bonnie) McDermott and Beth (Duane) Ostwinkle both of Epworth and several nieces and nephews.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, James and Anita (Kramer) McDermott; a nephew, Jason McDermott.

The family would like to thank the staff at Unity Point Hospital, Dubuque and University of Iowa Hospital.

A Video Tribute may be viewed, and online condolences may be sent to the family  www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com