Charles Richard Trein

Charles Trein of Rhinelander, age 80, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 9, 2024. Charles was born to Charles Joseph and Stella Frances Trein in Chicago, Illinois on July 6, 1944.  

Charles attended De La Salle High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. Upon graduation Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, spending time supporting the American efforts in Vietnam and ultimately being honorably discharged in 1966. 

He married JoAnn (Binkis) in April of 1967. 

Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology followed by obtaining his Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Throughout his career he was a project manager leading successful developments of food industry manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. as well as overseas; including a project for Coca-Cola that led him back to Vietnam in 2012. 

In April of this year, he was blessed with the “Trip of a Lifetime” for Veterans with the Northwoods Honor Flight. Charles’ love of the outdoors, as well as a family-owned resort, led him to Rhinelander in the late ‘60s where he and his wife owned a home they ultimately retired to. Chuck had a passion for deer hunting during the yearly weeklong gun season which was a yearly Thanksgiving tradition. During the summer, “moonlight cruises” on Boom Lake were a favorite activity. 

Charles is preceded by his parents, his sisters Dolores and Rita, brother Richard and grandson Trevor (Heath). 

Charles is survived by his wife of 57 years JoAnn, daughter Jill Whittaker (Justin) of Rhinelander and son Todd (Genevieve) Trein of Hudson, his grandchildren, Makayla (Daisy), Leelah (Linda-Lou) and Elise (Ellie Mae) and his beloved dog, Cosmo. 

The visitation for Charles will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 125 E. King Street, from 11:30 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. Memorial Mass. 

Fr. Chris Kemp will be officiating. 

Immediately following the mass there will be a procession to the Northwoods National Cemetery for the committal service. Military honors will be conducted by the Northwood’s Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Marines. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.