Charlotte Catherine Lee was born January 15, 1931, in La Crosse, Wis., to Delbert (Deb) and Catherine (Murray) Lee. Chat (Shot), as her father called her, along with her three older sisters, Mary Jean, Betty, and Margaret, grew up in Hokah. After graduating from St. Peter’s Catholic School in 1948, Charlotte married Willis Hampel on August 31, 1950. The couple lived first in Hokah, then Fountain, before moving to Preston. Here, they built the home where they raised their five children: Bill (JoAnn) of Minnesota City, Jerry (Cindy Hanson) of Stewartville, Cindy Erding (Jeff) of Wykoff, Chip (Barb) of Chatfield, and Mike (Jill) of Beaverton, Oreg.
In 1960, Willis and Charlotte opened Hampel’s Plumbing and Heating, a business they operated until their retirement in 1994. Charlotte was bookkeeper and receptionist, always ready to shake dice with customers. In their retirement, the couple enjoyed taking drives, going to estate sales, spending time with family, and boating and fishing near Brownsville. They also volunteered to transport folks to medical appointments. While Willis drove, Charlotte would push wheelchairs, attend appointments, and provide a loving, supportive presence. She was known as a kind, non-judgmental person, always praying and lighting candles for those in need.
Charlotte loved music of all kinds, reading, finding quotes to fit any situation, and writing. Several of her poems were selected for publication. The meaningful, humorous, and personal cards she wrote and sent to friends and family always made the receiver smile and feel loved.
She passed away June 10 at age 86, at Traditions in Preston, where she resided for almost four years. Charlotte is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Margaret McCauley of Winona, sister-in-law Kay Wills of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by husband Willis, her parents, and sisters Mary Jean and Betty.
Memorial Mass was held 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, where she was a member for over 60 years. Visitation was two hours before mass on Wednesday. Following funeral, burial of ashes took place at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Minn.
Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home of Preston was in charge of arrangements.
“Raise your glasses and think of me, for the good times.” – Charlotte Hampel, revised from Ray Price’s “For the Good Times.”
“Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. And when times get tough, we must press on and rise above it.” – Charlotte Hampel, revised from Garrison Keillor.