Dins, Charles E.
Charles E. "Charlie" Dins, 83, died Sunday, April 22, 2012 in a single-vehicle accident. He was born Feb. 3, 1929 in Menominee, MI to Elmer and Mary (Garber) Dins. Charlie grew up in Appleton before his family relocated to Ashland. In Ashland, he met the love of his life Mary Jean Mattson. They were married Feb. 12, 1949. Charlie and Mary Jean are the parents of Charles A. Dins of Iola, Gary L. Dins (who preceded Charlie in death on April 12, 2004), and Kathryn M. Dins of Portland, Oregon. Charlie joined his father in working for the Wisconsin Telephone Company at age 17 and worked for "Ma Bell" until his retirement in 1981. Over 35 years, he was transferred several times and the family lived in Ashland, Berlin, Appleton, New London, Stevens Point, Brookfield, Fond du Lac, and Cedarburg. Charlie was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Telephone Pioneers of America. Charlie was someone you could count on - a steadfast friend always ready to pitch in to help. He loved to play and loved to laugh - he was everyone's favorite uncle and the neighborhood's favorite dad. A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca, WI. Father Brian Belongia presided. Survivors include: his wife Mary Jean (Mattson); son Charles (Chuck); daughter Kathryn (Kate) and daughter-in-law Valerie LeGault; grandchildren Justin, Melanie, Mitchell, Valerie, Spencer; brother Jim and sister-in-law Delores; sister-in-law Helen; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Holly Funeral Home, 526 S. Main Street, Waupaca, www.hollyfuneralhome.com