Charles Lee Rector, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at The Cedars of Austin, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 10, 1930, in Garden City, Minnesota, to Ralph and Lula (Wells) Rector. Charles’ parents died when he was young and he was on his own from the age of 13. At age 15, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas in World War II. Following his discharge, Charles went back to high school in Garden City, graduating in 1950. On June 17, 1950, just three weeks after graduation, he married Dorothy Sargent in Garden City. Charles made his living as a drywaller before moving to Austin in 1950 and beginning a 36-year career at Hormel Foods. He retired in 1986. Charles raised veal calves with his brother Jack, and owned Austin Spraying Service for over 30 years. An avid outdoorsman, Charles loved to hunt and trap, as well as garden. He enjoyed traveling and was a history buff, especially World War II history. Charles made beautiful willow furniture and was a beekeeper. An active member of the Church of Christ, Charles served as a deacon and trustee. He belonged to the VFW, the American Legion, and the Minnesota Trappers Association.

Charles is survived by his five children, Mike (Candace) Rector of Mapleview, Minnesota, Gary (Becky) Rector, Nancy (Kevin) Soiney and Susan (Thomas) Kitzman, all of Austin, and Bryan Rector of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Allen (Juanita) Rector of Arizona; and sister-in-law, Carol Rector of Lyle, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy in 2005; his grandson, Jeremy; one sister; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at the Church of Christ in Austin with the Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.  There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.