Alvin Charles Gaines

Visitation for Chuck Gaines, 64, of Albert Lea will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery.  Military honors will be accorded by area servicemen’s organizations, VFW and American Legion.  

Chuck died Saturday, January 4, 2014 at his home.

Alvin Charles Gaines was born November 1, 1949 in Albert Lea to Alvin Garrett and Ada Sophia (Peters) Gaines.  He grew up on a farm and enjoyed riding horses.  Chuck was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells.   He attended school in Wells through the 9th grade and then moved with his family to the Geneva area on a farm.  He graduated from Ellendale-Geneva High School in 1967.  After school Chuck served his country by enlisting in the United States Army serving in Vietnam from 1968-1970.  Once he returned, Chuck did some of vocational training.  Chuck retired as a foreman in construction.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge and NRA.  Chuck enjoyed playing cards and being with friends, traveling, camping, fishing, outdoors and grilling.    
    
Survivors include his son Nicolas Gaines; sisters Joyce Mason, Dalores Malcom and Trina Churchill; and many loved nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Ada; brother Lloyd and brothers-in-law Gerald Mason Sr. and Robert Malcom.