Patrick "Pete" C. Karger

Patrick “Pete” Karger, age 60 of Eden Valley, MN, formerly of Brooten, died May 31, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 13th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until to the service. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Brooten.

Patrick “Pete” Charles Karger was born August 11, 1961 in Cando, North Dakota. He was the tenth of eleven children born to parents Erwin and Rita (Bitzan) Karger. When Pete was young his family moved to Brooten where they were members of St. Donatus Catholic Church. He grew up in Brooten and was a 1979 graduate of Brooten High School.

On February 14, 1987, Pete was united in marriage to Wendy Newenhouse in Texas. The couple made their home in Texas for two years before moving to Wisconsin for a year and then to Minnesota to be closer to family. Pete and Wendy shared 35 years of marriage and were blessed with one daughter, Ashley Rose.

Pete worked for many years a self-employed flooring installer until he developed debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, and eventually heart and back ailments. Throughout his life he displayed artistic talent which he expressed through wood carvings, clay sculptures, drawing and painting. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and music. He had a warm smile and an easy going personality which enabled him to make friends easily.

Pete discovered his greatest joy in life when he became a grandpa (papa); his grandchildren were his life. He loved them fiercely and looked forward to attending their games, tournaments, and other events.

Pete died unexpectedly on May 31, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital, at the age of 60. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. May his memory be blessed.

Pete is survived by his wife, Wendy Karger, of Eden Valley; their daughter, Ashley Rose (Garrett) DeZeeuw of Coon Rapids; four grandchildren: Kynlee Rose Karger, Jace, Milo, and Nico DeZeeuw; his mother, Rita Karger of Glenwood; seven siblings, Gerald (Sharon) Karger of Glenwood, Maylinda (Gary) Reed of Glenwood, Barbara (Terry) Kopka of Fort Collins, CO, Rick (Linda) Karger of Kandiyohi, Don (Carmen) Karger of Red Wing, Anthony Karger of Willmar, and Melissa Crafton of Leaf Valley; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Erwin Karger; two brothers, Dale and Gregory Karger; and one sister, Sandra Baker.  

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