Chris Vagle

Chris Vagle, age 63, passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms with his family nearby on November 10, 2017, at his home in Crosslake, MN, after a courageous and admirable 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born to Nina (Crow) and Arnold Vagle in Hallock, MN, on March 2, 1954. Chris graduated from Biwabik High School in 1972 and from Hibbing Community College in 1975 with an A.D. degree in Nursing. He later attended Metropolitan State University obtaining his B.A. degree in Health Care Computer Applications in 2000.

Chris married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Jaaskela, on June 19 ,1976. They loved spending time together and made many great memories with their three children. Most recently they moved to Crosslake, MN, in preparation for their retirement and to be closer to their family.

He worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Roseburg, OR, for 2 years, followed by 28 years of employment with Buffalo Hospital/Allina as an Emergency Room Nurse/Manager and Manager of Electronic Medical Records. For the past 9 years he was employed as a Manager of Computerized Medical Records with Ministry/Ascension in Tomahawk, WI.

Chris loved life and had numerous interests and hobbies, including gardening, planting trees, woodworking, fishing, hunting, cooking, photography and making campfires. He was an avid and passionate MN Vikings fan. He enjoyed attending concerts and listening to great music including his favorites, The Beatles, Neal Young, Tom Petty, John Fogarty, and John Prine. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and especially loved spending time with his wife, kids and three granddaughters, who were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed time spent with relatives and friends.

Survived by his wife of 41 years, soulmate and love of his life, Joanne, daughter Sarah Vagle, sons Ian (Amanda) Vagle and Dan Vagle, granddaughters, Ella, Esther, and Evelyn Vagle, brothers Nick (Connie) Vagle, Keith Vagle, and Scott (Terry) Vagle, and several loving nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Chris will be remembered for his great smile, twinkle in his eye and friendly caring personality. He will be forever and deeply loved and missed by his family. However, his great spirit, love and our memories of him will remain in our hearts always.

Per Chris’ wishes, there will be no funeral but rather a celebration of his life to be held in Monticello, MN, sometime next summer. Until then, when you hear a song by one of his favorite musicians/bands, or the Vikings have won a game, please give him a thought and know he is smiling and very thankful you are remembering him. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.