Charlene was born on November 5, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Herman and Lucille Wehrman. Charlene graduated from Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, beginning a long career in nursing. Her diverse jobs overs the years included staff development, teaching and various nursing director’s jobs.
Charlene married Kenneth Wagner on November 23, 1957. Their first son, Mark, was born in 1959 followed by Kurt in 1960. Charlene and Ken lived in Wisconsin, Arkansas, Colorado and Arizona over the years, before finally settling in Peoria about 35 years ago.
Charlene enjoyed various hobbies over the years including antiques and collectibles, through their 13-year ownership of Glendale Square Antiques. She loved to learn other arts and crafts, often gifting family and friends with her creations. Charlene was a voracious reader. She was very generous about giving friends and family her books after she finished them.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Kenneth, sons Mark (Becky) of Little Rock, AR and Kurt of Phoenix, and many cousins and friends. She is also survived by one granddog, Bayleigh, and one grandcat, Wylie.