Clarence “Chuck” Chuchna, 84 of St. Charles, died Monday, May 25, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester – Methodist Campus.
Chuck was born July 1, 1941, in Winona to Clarence and May (Jerecezk) Chuchna. He attended Catholic School in Winona before graduating from Winona Senior High in 1961 and Winona State in 1969 with a degree in elementary education.
Growing up in Winona, he played lots of baseball. He used to sit at the dike, which is on Sarnia and Mankato Avenue, waiting for golfers to pick him as their caddy! And he worked at Winona Athletic Club, setting bowling pins before they were automatic, and he had to pick them up and set them individually.
On June 1, 1968, he married Jean Carney and they made their home in St. Charles.
Mr. Chuchna was a beloved teacher, coach, bus driver and fixture to all of those in St. Charles. Throughout the years, there were very few sports he never coached. He had a knack for coaching and helping all of his students and athletes achieve their full potential.
He is survived by his children, Traci Heimer and Cory (Christina) Chuchna; five grandchildren, Hunter, MaKynna, & Colton Heimer and Kaitlynn & Emma Chuchna; sister, Bonnie Woodford; sisters-in-law, Deanna Baertsch, Lynda Albert and Julie Carney; brother-in-law, Glen (Janet) Carney; nephew, Chad Woodford and his son, Charlie; cousin, Barbara Speltz and her children, Mary Speltz (Sandy), Suzie Speltz and Mark Speltz (Steve); as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in 2022; his parents; sister, Lois (Jim) Rinn; brothers-in-law, Russell Carney, Ron Baertsch and Lee Albert; cousins, Everett Speltz and Jim Brennan.
A gathering to remember Clarence will be Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the St. Charles Moose Lodge. Military Honors will be performed at 4 p.m., followed by a visitation until 7 p.m.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
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