Mpls, MN - Fred spent his childhood on a turkey farm in Lake Bronson, Minnesota, until his family moved to Minneapolis in the mid-1950s. He was a graduate of South High School in 1964, and the University of Minnesota in 1968, where he majored in physics. Fred met his wife of 56 years, Anna Mae, while they were both working at Young Life youth camp. Together they built a life and career as professional musicians, traveling the country while remaining rooted in their beloved Saint Joan of Arc community in South Minneapolis. A poet, songwriter, tech guru, cook, and guitarist, Fred used music, technology, and food to bring people together.

Fred was diagnosed with stage four bladder cancer in April 2025, and was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife, family, and friends over the course of his illness. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Fred is survived by his wife, Anna Mae Vagle; his children: Stephanie Vagle (Bill Engelhardt); Heidi Vagle Wennen (Darren Wennen); Carin Vagle (Ben Wogsland); Nick Vagle (Stella Vagle); and Maggie Vagle (Ryan Nilson); his grandchildren: Daniel (Jacqueline), Anna, Ingrid, Lucia, Elias, Finn, Isaiah, Ozzie, Owen, Hattie, Theo, Matthias, and Liam; and his great-grandson, Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Marion (Ronnander) Vagle; and his siblings, Mel Vagle, Harriet Vagle Smith, and Ron Vagle.