"You were one God's angels her on Earth Charlie. Always a smile and kind word. Blessings to your family and friends. You lite up many hearts and will be missed. Cheri"
In loving memory of
Charles Gathje
April 6, 1929 - September 2, 2019
Charles Roland Gathje, age 90, of Rochester, peacefully passed on Labor Day morning. He was the last surviving child of the thirteen children of Frieda and John Gathje.
He was a lifelong farmer who also worked at Valley Craft Products and did long distance truck driving to support his family. He was the loving husband for 25 years of Vierlyn Ruth Kaehler and after her death to Anna Orelle Bagaason for 35 years.
Father of two daughters, Anna Frieda and Elaine Ruth (husband Jay Lawrence) and stepfather to Deanne and Linda. Grandfather of Kate (husband Matthew Loecker) and Liz (husband Tom
Glenn) and great grandfather of their little girls: Josephine Ruth and Alexandra Antoinette Loecker and Vera Lynn Glenn.
Charlie will be missed by many loving nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and dear friends.
He enjoyed a life well-lived and was a man well-loved and appreciated for his sense of humor, friendliness and ability to get along with everyone and always "see the silver lining."
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) in Rochester. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oakwood East Cemetery.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gathje family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzvine.com
Tributes
"Before I knew Charlie's name, I called him, "Trouble." He knew my parents and he also began to know me. He teased me about where I was preaching next and it got a little annoying, I believe that he was proud of me. I will miss my beloved friend, who was always there to cheer me up, there in the lobby at The Waters. May God bless you and keep you and give you warm memories of Charlie."