Charlotte Ann Wagner

Charlotte Ann Wagner, 86, a lifelong Fisher, MN resident, passed away Sunday evening, February 16, 2025, in the Benedictine Living Community- Crookston with her loving family at her side. With her health in decline she had come to BLCC for comfort care this past January 9th.

Charlotte was born in Fisher on October 15, 1938, the middle child of 3 children born to Soren and Mabel (Gunstinson) Knutson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Fisher Lutheran Church and began her education at Fisher Elementary School. During her high school years, she played the clarinet in the band and graduated from Fisher High School as a member of the Class of 1957. For the next few years, she was employed as a receptionist at Bethesda Hospital in Crookston. On July 31, 1960, Charlotte exchanged wedding vows with the love of her life, Arthur Edward Wagner, at Fisher Lutheran Church. While Art, with the help of Charlotte, ran their farming operation in Fisher, Fanny, and Nesbit townships, they would soon proudly welcome the births of Sheri, Brent, and Susan; making their family complete in a home filled with love. Following Art’s retirement in 1988, Charlotte began working for various clothing stores in nearby Grand Forks before closing out her working years at Eagle Drug in Crookston. No matter where she was employed Charlotte endeared herself while sharing her graciousness, kindness, and of course, that laugh! She and Art enjoyed going to all their kids and grandkids games, band and chorus concerts, and granddaughter Callie’s dance recitals. Sadly, Art passed away on June 28, 2006, bringing to a pause their love story just a few weeks shy of 46 years. 

Charlotte went on to live her best life, enfolding herself as often as possible in the hugs and kisses of her family. She helped Brent by doing some truck driving during the fall harvest and looked forward to hosting everyone for holidays and other special occasions. She remained steadfast in her faith as a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and her fellowship with many friends from Fisher Lutheran and Bygland Lutheran Churches. Charlotte enjoyed quilting at Fisher Lutheran and singing with the choruses of both Trinity Lutheran and Fisher Lutheran. She recently was presented her 60-year membership pin from Fisher American Legion Auxiliary Theodore Stalemo Post #242 and was honored to be a part of the Auxiliary’s Past Presidents Club. Charlotte found sheer joy in singing with the Crookston Area Women’s Chorus from 2014 to the present time. Quieter moments were meant for reading, gardening, doing puzzles, and latch-hooking rugs.

Charlotte will forever be remembered by her family for her smile and her distinctive laugh. They will also remember her baking ability, especially her buns, pull-a-parts and butterflies. She loved working in her gardens and yard and refused to give up her lawn mowing job to anyone. During her final months, Charlotte was known to share winks with those who came to visit, letting all of us know that everything would be fine.

Charlotte will be sadly missed by her 3 children: Sheri and Steve Johns of Duluth, MN, Brent and Susan Wagner of Fisher, MN, and Susan Lehr of Plymouth, MN; 6 grandchildren: Ryan (Stacey) Johns, Callie (Christian) Ripley, Jacob Wagner, Joshua Wagner, Jacob Lehr, and Matthew Lehr; and 5 great-grandchildren: Rex, Adrian, Kagen, Aria, and Logan. From Art’s side of the family she leaves a sister-in-law, Rose Skyberg of East Grand Forks, MN, and brother-in-law, Harry Puffe of Moorhead, MN. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins from both her and Art’s sides of the family.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved soul mate, Art, on June 28, 2006, but the family finds comfort in the knowledge that their ‘paused love story’ now continues into eternity. She is also reunited with her son-in-law, Michael Lehr, who passed on May 21, 2003; her parents, Soren and Mabel Knutson; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Richard and Mavis Knutson, and David Knutson; and from Art’s family: parents-in-law, Lawrence D. and Lilly (Radi) Wagner; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Norman “Bud” and Arleen Wagner, Mervin “Sock” and Dorothy Wagner, Helen Puffe, Herman Skyberg, and infant sister, Jeanne Ruth Wagner.

Blessed be the memory of Charlotte Ann (Knutson) Wagner. 

 The funeral service for Charlotte will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher with The Rev. Douglas Thompson officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. There will also be visitation from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 25th, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, MN, with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Fisher, in the spring. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Charlotte’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. In lieu of floral memorials, please consider a gift in Charlotte’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church - Fisher, Bygland Lutheran Church - Fisher, or Fisher Lutheran Church - Fisher.