Young Minnesota Pastor fighting for life after contracting rare lung infection

Carson Wagoner Frutiger, 26, of Rochester, died January 22, 2019 after a seven month battle with fungal pneumonia. Throughout this time, he fought bravely and met every challenge with a graceful assuredness.

Carson was born February 25, 1992 in Fargo, North Dakota, to Bruce and Kathy (Wagoner) Frutiger. He grew up in Rochester and graduated from Century High School. He attended Bethel University where he earned a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and Youth Ministry.

Carson was a man of faith who was passionate about loving people. He had a heart for ministry and mentoring. He worked as a youth pastor at New Day Covenant Church in Rochester and Eagle Brook Church in Anoka. Carson also volunteered with Young Life and Hockey Ministries International. In all his work he cared for others, walked with them through life’s ups and downs, and made them laugh.

Carson is survived by his parents, Bruce and Kathy Frutiger of Rochester; his sister, Megan Frutiger; his grandparents, Richard and Connie Frutiger; his aunts and uncles, Doug and Anne Frutiger; Lynne Frutiger; Dean and Susan Wittren, Joe and Theresa Wagoner, Neil and Gretchen Touchette; his cousins, Alexandra, Henry, Charlie, Heather, Katie, James, Grace and Nick; and by Father Michael Champlin. Carson was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Richard and Elaine Wagoner; and his namesake Father Carson Champlin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester as well as one hour prior to the service at Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you designate any memorial funds to one of the following organizations: Children’s Hope Chest, which equips orphans and vulnerable children, families and communities to escape the cycle of poverty; Hockey Ministries International, which reaches the world of hockey, every team, every player, everywhere with the message of hope found in Jesus Christ; or The Mayo Clinic Poverello Fund, which provides financial support for patients in need.

Heartfelt gratitude to those who were part of Carson’s Care Team at the Mayo Clinic, your love for Carson was shared through your work and innumerable acts of kindness, and we are so grateful. To all those that have loved Carson so well, thank you; we have not traveled this journey alone. Although Carson is no longer with us he is most definitely home! God is Good All the Time.