Charlene M. Willbrand

Charlene was born on November 6, 1945, to Joseph and Edna (née Weber) Pohlmann. The eldest of two children, she shared a joyful, carefree childhood in 1950s St. Charles with her younger brother, Joey. Charlene also shared a lifelong bond with her cousin Donnie, who was like the sister she never had — their deep friendship remained a constant in her life.

She attended St. Charles Borromeo grade school and graduated from Duchesne High School. After high school, Charlene was introduced to John Willbrand through her friend — and his cousin — Jan. The two quickly fell in love and were married on July 2, 1966. They later welcomed their son, Kevin, in 1977 and their daughter, Rebecca, in 1982. Charlene and John shared over 53 loving years of marriage before his passing in 2019.

A dedicated and hard-working woman, Charlene began her career at Monsanto. She later left the workforce to raise her children and pursue real estate ventures alongside John. She eventually returned to full-time work as a bookkeeper for the St. Charles County Coop, where she remained for 25 years until her retirement in 2015.

A lifelong "cat lady," Charlene adored her feline companions and collected cat-themed items and figurines. She especially loved decorating for Christmas — her home came alive each season with multiple themed trees and festive cheer.

A gifted cook and baker, Charlene’s chocolate chip cookies and homemade pies were legendary. She was known for baking loved ones’ favorite pies on their birthdays — a thoughtful tradition everyone treasured, even when she once forgot the coconut in her brother’s coconut cream pie. Her Christmas cookie assortments were highly anticipated each year.

Charlene was also an exceptionally talented seamstress. She lovingly created clothing, quilts, and keepsakes for family and friends — including handmade items for both her children's weddings. She was always quick to patch a favorite shirt or hem a dress, and her sewing skills will be deeply missed.

Charlene is survived by her beloved children Kevin (La Wana) Willbrand and Rebecca (Jeff) Pflum; cherished grandchildren Abigail Charlene Willbrand, Macie Edna Pflum, Leslie (Jo Brubaker) Morris, and Todd Schuette; great-grandson Lincoln Schuette; brother Joseph “Joey” (Debra) Pohlmann; dearest cousin and BFF Donna “Donnie” (Ted) Moreno; brother-in-law Roger Willbrand; sister-in-law Geri Willbrand; nieces Leslie (Ricky) Pender and Lindsay (Jim) Narsh; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She will also be greatly missed by her beloved cat companion, Princess Sophie Meow Meow.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents Joseph and Edna, and the many cherished cats she loved throughout her life.

Her warm smile, generous spirit, and comforting presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May we find peace in knowing she is now reunited with John and those who passed before her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made in Charlene’s name to:

7 More Cats Rescue

403 Droste Rd.

St. Charles, MO 63301

A visitation for Charlene will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home, 11101 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish, 601 N 4th St, Saint Charles, MO 63301. A committal service will follow mass on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Charles Memorial Gardens, 3950 W Clay St Ste 200, Ste 200, Saint Charles, MO 63301.