Charles Karger

Charles "Chuck" Karger, age 84 passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 7, 2018 with family by his side, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Chuck, born April 13, 1934 in Vining, MN was the 2nd child of William and Martha (Mielke) Karger.

Chuck helped his parents on the farm while in high school at Parkers Prairie, MN. He was in the ROTC program at the University of North Dakota, majoring in Physical Education. Chuck was a captain and pilot in the US Air Force, and later, spent several years in the active reserves. He received his Master's Degree in Administration from Winona State University.

Chuck was a teacher in Browerville, and Wabasha, MN where he taught High School Physical Education, Health, and History. He was a successful coach with winning teams in football, basketball, and track. Chuck was also an avid Viking and Twins fan, with a fun-loving sense of humor. Chuck retired in 1992 and moved to St Charles, where he considered golf his new job. Chuck and Gayle spent 25 years wintering in both Weslaco, Texas and Parker Dam, California.

He played football and track while in college, and baseball, basketball, billiards, and golf as an adult. Other activities included boating, fishing, hunting, RVing, and lots more golf!

Chuck will be greatly missed by his wife, Gayle of 62 years, his children Wendi (Alan) Wachtendonk, Kevin Karger, Kyle (Deb) Karger, Vikki (Lars) Poulsen, and siblings, Vonnie Karger, Ginny (Jim) Jensen, Gwen McDonald (Brad Truesdell ) , Rogetta (Russell) McLaughlin, Kathy Kratz, grandchildren: Chad (Anne), Mitchell, Griffin (Desi), Sofie, and great grandchildren: Brooks and Evelyn, and many nieces and nephews. . Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Clar Diedrich.

Chuck will always be lovingly remembered, and sorrowfully missed.

The Karger family sincerely thanks the excellent staff of the Mayo Oncology department, as well as the Mayo Clinic Hospice, for all of their care and compassion they provided for Chuck

Services to remember Chuck will be at 12 noon on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service, led by funeral celebrant Jodi Heim. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home on Saturday. A reception will follow. Military honors will be presented by St. Charles American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Posts at the funeral home following services on Saturday. Please share a memory of Chuck and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.