Charles "Chuck" Wiener

Charles “Chuck” Leroy Wiener

May 27, 1953 – December 6, 2025

Chuck Wiener, age 72, of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away on December 6, 2025 at the Alomere Hospital in Alexandria. Chuck was born on May 27, 1953, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Melvin and Irene Wiener. He grew up in St. Cloud and attended Cathedral High School, graduating with the Class of 1971. He later continued his studies at St. Cloud State University and St. Cloud Technical College.

During his years in St. Cloud, Chuck met the love of his life, Barbara “Barb” Pederson of Starbuck, MN. They were married in 1977. In 1979 they welcomed the first of their three children and soon after moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. That same year Chuck opened his men’s clothing store, King’s Bench, at the Viking Plaza Mall, which later became The Outfitters. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion made him a natural in business and in his later years working in various sales roles.

Chuck’s life was BIG — big stories, big laughter, big love. His legacy is his family, who will miss him beyond words, but who are deeply grateful for every ordinary day that he somehow turned into something memorable. Chuck also loved his friends and was fiercely loyal to them.

He was a character: a storyteller, a host, a ring leader. He poured himself into creating memories—whether hosting backyard gatherings, boating on the lake, hunting with his friends, traveling (to Disney World), or by just always “showing up” whenever his family or friends needed him. Chuck approached life with humor, generosity, and a spark that drew people in and made them feel cherished. One of his favorite quotes was “Love your family, Cherish your friends”.

Behind the humor and bluster, Chuck was a man of deep, quiet faith. He faced many serious health crises over the years, including two kidney transplants. One donor was his wife, Barb, and the second, Barb’s brother Brent, BOTH of whom were PERFECT MATCHES. Chuck was profoundly grateful for these “gifts of life” and the medical teams who extended his life.

Chuck was often quoted as saying, “lean on your faith”.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; his children Kristen (Jason) Grode, Matthew (Leah) Wien, and Andrew (Kristen Haabala) Wiener; and his beloved grandchildren Maya, Jada, Izaak, Ellie, Margot, Thomas, and Samuel. He is also survived by his siblings David (Bobbi Jo) Wiener and Patricia (Terry) Storms; his brothers-in-law Brent (Sheri) Pederson and Barry (Jane) Pederson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Monday, December 15, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Memorials are preferred to The Lincoln Project or The Diaper Bank of Minnesota.