Charles Dean Redepenning

Charles (Chuck) Redepenning passed away peacefully on January 13, surrounded by family. Chuck was born in Revillo, South Dakota on August 2, 1943 to Albert and Emma Redepenning. Chuck "Baby brother", "Butch" was the youngest of nine siblings. He was the third boy, and his older brothers were hopeful he'd assist with farm work but claimed he never did! As a child Chuck attended a one-room schoolhouse, leading his daughters to believe he grew up on "Little House on the Prairie."

The family moved to Montevideo, Minnesota in the 1950s and Chuck graduated from Montevideo High School in 1961. He then relocated with his parents to Hopkins and attended DeVry Institute. On Valentine's Day in 1962 he met LeRona (Bast) at Bud's Music Center when he came in to inquire about drum lessons. Chuck and LeRona married on September 14, 1963. Upon the completion of his service in the United States Army he worked for his father and mother-in-law at Bud's Music Center until he and LeRona bought the store from Dorothy Bast in 1978.

In 1985 he ran for and won a seat on the Hopkins City Council. He served as a council member until he was elected mayor in 1993. He served as mayor for three terms. During his time as a council member and mayor he was a fierce advocate for the arts and for promoting commerce in Downtown Hopkins. He co-created Music in the Park in Downtown Hopkins with Don Bates. He was also instrumental in the creation and building of the Hopkins Center for the Arts which opened in 1997. In honor of his efforts and service to the city, the Center's art gallery is named for him.

While his accomplishments were great, he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He is survived by wife LeRona, son Erik (Jenny), daughter Tara (Darin), daughter Kori (Sarah) and his grandchildren Frank, Calia, Harrison (Liz), Arthur, Andrew, Hayes, Sarah, Grace, Henry and Albert. He is also survived by two sisters, one sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and his son, Jason.

Chuck will be remembered for his strength, kindness, humor, faith, devotion to his loved ones and his intense attachment to snacks and treats!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at the Hopkins Center for the Arts from 4-7pm on Friday, January 17, with a short program from 5:15-6pm.