Charles F Von Arx

On Saturday, February 8, 2014, Charlie left us suddenly to be with God, our relatives and our friends in Heaven. He was born on June 9, 1955 to Francis C. and Frannie K. (Fregin) Von Arx in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He married Rhonda Gratke on June 16, 1989 and lived on the 3thrdth generation family farm in rural La Crescent. They had two beautiful children, Klaus and Katrina Von Arx whom he adored and was immensely proud of. He farmed with his father and brothers on the Von Arx Family Farm in Bush Valley and was an employee of Trane Company for more than 40 years as a master technician. Many happy hours have been spent over the years playing cards, hunting, making wine, farming, gardening and carrying out the family motto to sing, to laugh, and to joke. He has been a member of St Peters Church, attending St Peters School, La Crescent High School and Western Wisconsin Technical Institute.

He is survived byRhonda (Gratke) Von Arx, his son Klaus Franz Von Arx and his daughter Katrina Dawn Von Arx all of La Crescent, MN. He is also survived by his parents, brothers and sisters-Liz Killion of Roodhouse, IL; Lucy Von Arx of Bloomington, IL; Ted Von Arx of La Crescent; Tom (Janice) Von Arx of San Diego, CA; Kathryn (Tim) Hying of McHenry, IL, Sarah (Dwight) Stever of Omaha, NE; and John (Amy) Von Arx of Rice Lake, WI., in-laws Jerry and Gloria Gratke of La Crosse, WI, and brother-in-law Raymond (Annette) Gratke of Woodbury, MN. Charlie is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins, and enjoyed spending time with them and could always be counted on to say something memorable. His pithy comments, wisdom and role as the oldest of the Francis & Frannie Von Arx family will be sorely missed. His passions in life came from his family, farming, riding his Harley and his music. He also enjoyed spending time with his brother-in-law, Raymond attending Twins baseball games and placing friendly wagers which he liked to think he won more than half the time. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Nathan Edward Stever in 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at St. Peters Catholic Church, Hokah, MN. Rev. Pratap Reddy Salibindla will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Hokah MN. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday evening from 4 until 8 P.M. where a Christian wake service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Vistitation will also be held at the church on Thursday morning from 10:30 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Charlies memory.