Charles Gathje

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