Charles von Fischer
Charles von Fischer, 77, of Lakeville, formerly of Springfield, died with his sons at his side on Wednesday morning, Dec. 27, 2017, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis.
Charles Edward von Fischer was born July 22, 1940, to Frederick A. and Martha M. (Bauch) von Fischer in Springfield, Brown County, Minnesota. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. William von Fischer, and confirmed by his uncle, Rev. Max von Fischer, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield. An Eagle Scout in high school, Charles went on to St. Olaf College in Northfield, where he sang in The St. Olaf Choir and graduated in 1962.
From a young age, Charles felt called to the ministry, and after college he attended Luther Seminary, graduating in 1966. After an internship in Detroit, Charles took his first call at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington. There he met Kathleen Jean Johnson, whom he married on Oct. 5, 1968. In 1971, the couple moved to Lakeville, where Charles accepted a call at Christiania Lutheran Church. Charles served as solo pastor and then senior pastor at Christiania until his retirement in 2007. He was awarded the title of Pastor Emeritus of Christiania Lutheran Church in honor of his 36 years of devoted service there.
Charles faithfully shepherded his Christiania community through both adversity and prosperity. Sustained growth in membership necessitated two additions to the church building, which he oversaw. He also helped the church recover from an arsonist’s fire. Under his guidance, the church staff increased to include an associate pastor position and specialists in education, music, and youth. With weddings, funerals, hospital visits and Sunday church services, he quietly and gracefully served the Christiania community. His ministry was one of caring and gentleness, brought to each person as individuals, moved by the profound themes of love, hope and peace.
Chuck cherished and nurtured relationships. He was a dedicated servant leader, a singularly devoted husband, an unconditionally positive father, a dear little brother, a caring uncle, brother-like cousin, a treasured grandfather, and a prized friend. He enjoyed caring for the life in his yard, and fishing in Ely and Florida. Chuck was an avid Twins, Vikings and Lynx fan who never lost hope.
Survivors include his two sons, Joseph and wife Colleen Webb of Ft. Collins, Colo., Paul and wife Mari of Brookings, S.D.; six grandchildren, Isaac, Josephine, Summer, William, Peter and Theodore; two siblings, Anne Pierson and husband James of Brainerd and Fred and wife Ardis of Lakeville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; and his brother, Robert.
Funeral service was conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Christiania Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Arrangements were with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com.