Steve Gathje

St. Charles,
Stephen Ralph Gathje, 77, of St. Charles, MN passed away Sunday, February 7th, 2016 at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield surrounded by his family. Stephen suffered from Parkinson's disease and died from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He was born January 22, 1939 in St. Charles to Ralph and Frances (Wegman) Gathje. Steve graduated from St. Charles High School. He married Rose Marie Reisdorf on June 6, 1959. He began farming north of St. Charles. Farming, hard work and family were the center of his life.
Steve served on the Greenway Co-op board of directors. He was also on the DHIA board. Steve was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, having served on the Parish council. He was a man of great faith. He was also a member of AA.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rose Marie and their nine children: Michael (Mary Margaret) of Milwaukee, WI, Tom (Trish) of Rochester, Scott (Denise) of Richmond, MN , Dale (Vicki) of St. Charles, Edward (Mary Warmkagathje) of St. Charles, Gerry (Sandy) of Chatfield, Sharon (Bradley Howe) of Minot, ND, Sandra (Mark Schroeder) of Rochester and Connie (Scot Kretzschmar) of Lakeville. He was so proud of their 35 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Steve is also survived by 3 brothers: David (Marlys) of Rochester, Ronald (Winnie) of Stewartville and Martin (Darlene) of Owatonna, and 1 sister Ruth (Maurice Shea) of St. Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Frances, a sister Audrey, two grandchildren, Judah and Isaac.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Saturday, Feb. 13th at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Friends may call on the family from 930am until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church will be from 4-8 PM Friday, Feb. 12th. Please share a memory of Steve at his on-line guestbook and view his video tribute and complete life story when they become available at www.hoffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.