Charlene Kolbe's Memorial Service Video Charlene R. Kolbe, age 74, passed away after a lingering illness.  She was born on January 26, 1948, in Fremont daughter of the late Emil and Anna (Miller) Koch. She grew up on her family's farm.  Attended Washington High School and graduated with the class of 1966.  She attended UW Oshkosh-earning a Bachelor's Degree in education.  After teaching for a few years Charlene went back to school to earn her nursing degree.  In the late 1970' she became a registered nurse. Her calling to the nursing profession was very befitting her loving and caring ways.  On May 26, 1967, she was united in marriage to Frank Kolbe at Zion Lutheran Church, Readfield.  Charlene loved to travel seeing Florida, Branson, Jamaica, and several family trips to the Smokey Mountains - attending the World's Fair in Knoxville in 1982. She also enjoyed camping, she and Frank started tent camping, which didn't last long, then eventually graduating up to a fifth-wheel camper, with all the comforts of home.  Charlene was a talented seamstress, often making clothing for her family.  She was an avid gardener.  Charlene loved to grow and preserve her own fruits and vegetables.  She enjoyed cooking, and bravely tried new recipes.  Charlene loved her grandchildren and every minute spent with them-often attending sporting events and many other activities.  Charlene loved to sing.  She passed on her passion for singing to her youngest granddaughter.  Charlene will be missed by all who cherished and loved her.

She is survived by her husband Frank; children, Brandon (Cindy) Kolbe, their children: Alicia (Steve) Miller, Brianna (Ryan) Tahtinen, and Breccan (Danielle Bokelmann) Kolbe, Nathan (Ali Finch) Kolbe and his children Abigail (Luke) DeGuelle and Emily (Connor Moore) Kolbe; great-grandchildren Logan, Dante, Evelyn, and Harvey; her brother David (Jeri) Koch, brothers-in-law Ralph Much and Emil Kolbe, and sisters-in-law, Annette Kettner and Margie Kolbe-Mims and her husband Gil Morrin.   Charlene is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents; a brother Donald Koch; a sister and brother-in-law Ardyce (Lavern) Graham and a sister Eunice Much.

"Charlene's family wishes to extend thanks to Care Partners for their care-especially Brenda."

Funeral services for Charlene will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, New London on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chuck Thompson officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.