Vincent ‘Vince’ Huegel

Vincent “Vince” Huegel, 76, of Charles City, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Vince Huegel will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Reverend Tom Heathershaw officiating. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the funeral Mass at the Elks Lodge in Charles City. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery in Ionia.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City with a scripture service starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral Mass on Saturday morning.

Vincent Leo Huegel, the son of Leonard and Florentine (Stuettgen) Huegel, was born on March 21, 1948, in New Hampton, Iowa. Vince contracted polio on Sept. 6, 1954; he was taken to Iowa City and spent three months in the university children’s hospital, over half of which was spent in an iron lung. Vince came home in December of 1954 shortly before Christmas on icy roads. What a life-changing experience for a young boy at the age of six!

Vince attended St. Mary’s in North Washington, Iowa, and graduated first in his class in 1967; those who knew him well always liked to remind him that it was only a class of eight graduates. He then attended Loras College in Dubuque from 1967 to 1971 and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. It was here that Vince made many lifelong friends and with whom he remained in touch ever since his graduation in 1971.

On Oct. 13, 1984, Vince married Jennifer Lynn Nichols at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Vince and Jenny were blessed with three boys: Kyle, Aaron, and Jacob.

Vince worked at Comprehensive Systems in Charles City, Exceptional Persons in Waterloo, Toby’s Tax in Cedar Falls, and later became a self-employed tax preparer. He was a member of the Charles City Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and served as School Board President of Immaculate Conception Catholic School when his sons were enrolled.

Some of Vince’s interests included being out in nature, gardening, bird-watching, and sightseeing. Vince was a life-long learner; he and Jenny enjoyed many travels, including trips to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as frequent day trips. Vince was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Charles City Comets and Iowa Hawkeyes. Above everything, Vince enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren.

Vince rode five full RAGBRAI’s (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) from 1977 to 1981; he then rode three partial rides from 1982 to 1984. As his RAGBRAI rides and many other things show, there was nothing Vince did not try and find a way to do. His life was a model of persistence and perseverance.

Vince is survived by his loving wife of over 39 years, Jenny; son, Kyle (Erika) and their children, William and Paige of Decorah; son, Aaron; and son, Jacob (fiancé Priya Sharma) of Chicago, Illinois; He is also survived by his siblings: George (Linda) of Ionia, Len (Donna) of La Crescent, Minnesota, Georgiana (Ralph) Weber of Hartford, Wisconsin, Mike (Deb) of Winona, Minnesota, Mary Jane Rietveld of Des Moines, Mark (special friend Denise Holzer) of North Washington, Neal (Jean) of New Hampton, Kevin of Cedar Falls, and Alice of Des Moines; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Magdalena Huegel; maternal grandparents, George and Emma Stuettgen; parents, Leonard and Florentine Huegel; and brother, Paul Huegel.

Vince’s family would like to acknowledge the special care he received from the staff in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit (Mary Brigh Building) and Respiratory Care Unit (Alfred Building) at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Vince would not have enjoyed the life he did without the care he received in Iowa City as a young child. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of Vince to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550. On the memo line or on a note attached, please indicate “Gift in memory of Vincent Huegel”. Credit card gifts may be made at www.givetoiowa.org. Other donations sent directly to the family will be given to charities that were important to Vince.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.