Charlene Johansen, 82, of El Paso Texas passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Del Sol Hospital. She was a beloved wife, mother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Charlene was born to Charles (Lloyd) Fireng Jr and Aldine (Lawson) Fireng on July 28, 1942. She spent her childhood in El Paso and graduated from Austin High School. She married Orville Johansen on October 4, 1961 at Asbury Methodist Church. They were married for 39 years and spent their married life enjoying plays and musicals, spending time with family, participating in church and community activities, and camping and traveling.
Early in her life, Charlene worked for the federal reserve bank. After years as a home maker, she found a love for young children as a preschool teacher and later became the director of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church preschool. She later worked at Tip of Texas Credit Union.
Playing the piano was one of her favorite pastimes and she regularly played both the piano and the organ for her church’s Sunday services. She also enjoyed singing in the church choir. Later in life, oil painting became an enjoyed hobby.
She is survived by her three children: Sherry (Douglas) DeBord of El Paso, Pamela (Troy) Krings of Omaha, NE, and Harold Johansen of El Paso. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kevin DeBord, Courtney (Tate) Enos, Kayla (Juan) Crespo, Alyssa Krings (Robert Phillips) and three great-grandchildren: Ashalia Enos, Lyla Crespo and Macie Crespo and brothers: Charles Fireng of Gilbert, AZ and Dale Fireng of Australia.
She is preceded in death by her husband Orville Johansen, parents Charles Lloyd and Aldine Fireng, and sister-in-law Fran Fireng.
A visitation for Charlene will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A eulogies by family will occur Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 27, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.
