Iris F. Pagenhart

Iris F. Pagenhart, age 80, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a 20-year battle with Parkinson's disease. The daughter of Frank and Susan (Volz) Schartau, Iris was born on March 26, 1939, in Rochester, Minnesota. Iris was a 1957 graduate of Rochester High School and earned her RN degree from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester. She married her high school sweetheart Charles Pagenhart at Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester on August 25, 1962. Iris worked for St. Mary's Hospital until her and Charles started their family in 1965. Iris was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church where she served on the food committee and was a part of the United Methodist Women's group for many years. Iris helped on the construction of the 1995 addition to the Gift of Life Transplant House. In addition, she enjoyed spending weekends at the family cabin on Lake Pepin, traveling, playing cards and gathering with friends. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her triplet grandchildren. Iris is survived by her husband, Charles Pagenhart of Rochester, MN; daughter, Stacy (Daniel) Zimmer of Rochester, MN; son, Todd Pagenhart (Gerald Rock) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Annika, Aidan and Cullen Zimmer; siblings, Susan Norell of Rochester, MN, Giles "Butch" (Jane) Schartau of Pulaski, TN, Richard (Sherry) Schartau of Broomfield, CO; sister-in-law, Nancy (Bernie) Gross of Fridley, MN and brother-in-law John (Rosemary) Pagenhart of Rochester, MN; nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Clyde Norell. The family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice, Mayo Palliative Care, Prairie River (Adara Home Health), and Elder Network for their support in the last two years of her life. Iris donated her brain for further research on Parkinson's disease. A memorial service celebrating Iris's life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 31, 2019, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, MN. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Iris can be made to the Mayo Clinic in support of Parkinson's Disease Research, or to the Gift of Life Transplant House or Christ United Methodist Church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pagenhart family.