Charles Heidgerken

Charles H. "Charlie" Heidgerken, age 71 of Freeport, died Monday, February 8, 2010 at his home in Freeport, Minnesota after a short battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 12 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will take place privately at a later date in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday evening at the church in Freeport.

Charles Henry Heidgerken was born December 23, 1938 in Melrose, Minnesota to George and Marie (Middendorf) Heidgerken. He graduated from Melrose High School and during those years helped on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Shirley Rose on May 5, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. On June 1, 1962 he opened Charlie's Café in Freeport which he owned and operated until his retirement on January 1, 1999. Charlie enjoyed tennis, fishing, fast pitch softball, playing cards, walking the Wobegon Trail, going to the casinos here in Minnesota and in Las Vegas, and traveling, especially to Mexico. He truly loved his family and friends, especially his two grandchildren, Keshia and Kai Kettler.He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, St. Joseph's Men's Society, Lions Club, Albany Knights of Columbus, Council #3628, and the American Legion Post 101 in Melrose.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Freeport; children, Sheila (Maynard) Kettler of Freeport, Paula Heidgerken of St. Paul, and Kurt Heidgerken of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Keshia and Kai Kettler of Freeport; brothers and sisters, John (Louise) Heidgerken of Minnetonka, Dennis Heidgerken of Freeport, Peter (Marilyn) Heidgerken of Freeport, Paul (Mary Ann) Heidgerken of Albany, Irene (Jim) Obermiller of Freeport, Bud (Ann) Heidgerken of Freeport, Mary (Ted) Hinnenkamp of Albert Lea, and Carol (Glen) Setterholm of New Ulm; and sister-in-law, Dorine Heidgerken of Richmond.

Charlie was preceded in death by his son, Karl Heidgerken on February 2, 2010; parents, George and Marie Heidgerken; brothers, Jim Heidgerken and George Heidgerken, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Rita Heidgerken.

Serving as casket bearers will be John Heidgerken, Dennis Heidgerken, Peter Heidgerken, Paul Heidgerken, Bud Heidgerken, and Jim Obermiller. Cross bearer will be Kai Kettler and scripture bearer will be Keshia Kettler. Serving as honorary bearers will be Charlie's fishing and card playing friends.