Charles Rothenberger

Charles W. Rothenberger, 68, of Baxter, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 with loving family at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. He fought a very courageous battle, but in the end could not beat the lung cancer.

His family would like to invite all friends, past and present, to join them in the celebration of Chuck's life. The Celebration of Life Gathering for Charles will be held Friday, July 22nd from 7:00-9:00 P.M. in the White Sands Room at The Lodge in Baxter, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society.

Charles was born on July 23, 1942 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Phillip and Lillian (Boese) Rothenberger. He attended Saint Michaels and Washington Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1960. He married Judy Zeigler of Grand Forks in 1962 and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1967. Chuck started his professional career at the Brainerd State Hospital in the Cooperative Vocational Rehabilitation Program in 1968 and in 1970 received his master's degree from St. Cloud State University in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Education. He worked for the State of Minnesota for 35 years, retiring in 2003. He really enjoyed his grandchildren, baseball, playing cards, being a sports fan, nature, a good conversation, fishing and his winter getaways to San Diego.

Charles is survived by his former wife, Judy Rothenberger, daughter, Christine Winkelman (Russ) of Afton, Minnesota, and son, Jared Rothenberger (Dawn) of Woodbury, Minnesota and five grandchildren of which he was very proud of, Brenna, Kayley, Grant, Lila and Eva; his brother, Dick (Shirley) Rothenberger and sister, Gaynelle (Eddy) Eley both live in Grand Forks and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by a special friend, Kim Brooks of Montana and her family and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Lillian, brothers, Phillip Rothenberger Jr. and Robert Rothenberger and infant sister, Phyllis Rothenberger.