Ritchie “Poncho” Gagner passed away on June 1, 2026, at Sandford Medical Center in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loving family.

Poncho was born on April 6th, 1950, in Crookston, MN to Robert and Rose Anna (Mercil) Gagner. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joesph Church in Brooks, MN. Poncho graduated from Plummer High School in 1968.

On June 21, 1975, Poncho was united in marriage to Charlene Berberich at St. Joesph Catholic church in Brooks, MN. Together they were blessed with three children Tom, Jenny and Derek.

Poncho drove mail truck for Paradis Mail for a while as well as Morinville farm in the winter for several years. He worked over 40 years on the pipeline for North Pipeline – Aconite, Micheals, retiring in 2012.

Poncho cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. His past times were supporting any and all youth sports. He enjoyed a hot cup of coffee at the Cozy Bar with neighbors and friends. Mornings consisted of Price Is Right and afternoons Jeopardy.

Poncho is survived by his wife Char; son, Derek (Rachel) and their children Marshall and Jaylee, grandsons Cody (Kelly) Gagner and Kyle Gagner. Brothers and sisters Rolland (Nancy), Clarence (Dianne), Angela Stone, Barbara (Vernon) LaCoursiere; Sister-in-laws Ronalee Gagner and Kathy Gagner. In-law’s Ione (Clarence) Kostrzewski, Roxanne Berberich, Rose (Larry) Skallet, Bob (Ellie) Berberich, Mark (Sue) Berberich, Karen (John) Larson, Anita (Jeff) Capp, Vicki (Joe) Ste Marie, Randy Berberich.

He is preceded in death by his children Tom and Jenny Gagner; parents, Robert and Rose Gagner; brothers, Medore, Jerome, Freddy, Robert Jr and Mike; Sisters, Mae Wichterman and Mary Lou Cyr; brothers-in-law, Louie Wicherman, Vernon Cyr and Bill Stone; mother and father-in-law, Fred and Delores Berberich; brother’s and sister’s-in-law Jerry Berberich, Jean (Ron) Peterson, Roland Wold, Roger (Joanne) Berberich and Jackie Berberich.

Celebration of life for Poncho will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 2 pm - 4 pm at the American Legion in Red Lake Falls, MN with a meal being served.