Charles Eide Pagenhart

Charles Eide Pagenhart, age 79, of Rochester passed away unexpectedly on Saturday October 26, 2019, following a lengthy battle with kidney and heart disease. Charles lived his entire life in Rochester. He was born at St. Mary's Hospital on March 9, 1940, to Robert and Anna (Eide) Pagenhart. He went to Lincoln and Folwell Grade Schools and graduated from Rochester High School in 1958. He then attended Rochester Junior College and the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for 30 years at IBM and chose early retirement in 1994, so he could remain in Rochester to manage the family businesses. On August 25, 1962, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Iris Schartau, at Calvary Episcopal Church. They ​were married for 57 years and were​ ​blessed with two wonderful children, Stacy and Todd. Iris passed away in May 2019. Charles had many passions in his life. He was a dedicated Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 21. He loved taking in nature, particularly at the family cabin on Lake Pepin. He enjoyed identifying birds, rocks, plants, and fish. Always wanting to be around the water, he could be seen swimming, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. He was fascinated with new technology and the latest gadgets, always learning to do new things whether on his iPad or with his Traeger grill. Late in life he developed a passion for cooking and baking bread. He was an avid reader, always with a book in hand or more recently his iPad which he did not leave the house without. He was a true do-it-yourselfer. He learned construction skills from his father and grandfather and built his home with his wife Iris. He was a fine woodworker and loved to garden and grow hostas and tend to his apple trees. He traveled extensively with family and friends around the continental USA, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Italy, Grand Caymans, Mexico, Spain, China, Panama, Brazil, Hawaii, Germany, and Austria. Over the years he was involved in many social activities including playing bridge, Curling Club, Society of Mechanical Engineers, IBM Retirees, and Quarter Century Club. In his later years, he enjoyed exercising at 125 Live. Zumba was his favorite. He shared his knowledge and gave back to others by volunteering for the Gift of Life Transplant House (33-year Board Member-Building and Finance committees), SCORE, and Christ United Methodist Church (Finance and Food Service.) During the last 20 years his triplet grandchildren were his top priority. He attended countless sporting, musical, and educational events. When they all chose to attend the University of MN, he could not have been more proud. Charles is survived by his daughter Stacy (Daniel) Zimmer of Rochester MN; son Todd Pagenhart (Gerald Rock) of Minneapolis MN; grandchildren Annika, Aidan, and Cullen Zimmer of Rochester MN; siblings Nancy (Bernie) Gross of Fridley MN and John Pagenhart of Rochester MN; sister in-law Susan Norell of Rochester MN; brothers-in-law Giles 'Butch' (Jane) Schartau of Pulaski, TN and Richard (Sherry) Schartau of Broomfield, CO; nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Iris, his parents Robert and Anna (Eide) Pagenhart, his grandparents Clarence and Golden (Alexander) Pagenhart, his father-in-law Frank Schartau and mother- in-law Susan Schartau, his brother-in-law Clyde Norell, and his sister-in-law Rosemerry Pagenhart. A memorial service celebrating Charles' life will be held after his granddaughter returns from studying abroad. The service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 27, 2019, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5​th​ Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Charles can be made to Gift of Life Transplant House or Christ United Methodist Church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pagenhart family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com