Charlene Jefchak

Our loving mother, Charlene Jefchak, 86, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2016, at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with the memorial service following at 3 p.m.

Charlene Jefchak had been a resident at Ramsey for 6 ½ years. She was born January 18, 1930 in Indiana, the daughter of Charles and Ethel Lauer. Her mother was a talented painter and seamstress, who made Charlene’s clothes and bows for her hair. Sadly, Charlene’s mom died when Charlene was 14 years old. As a result, Charlene became very active in school sports (basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and swimming), as well as a National Merit Scholar and the President of the Girls Club. Charlene was voted “Best Personality”, by her class.

Charlene attended Drake University where she pledged Delta Zeta Sorority and met her future husband, George, who served the sorority house meals. They were married June 18, 1949 and had twin girls, Shari and Kari a year later. Their youngest daughter, Charlene “Charli” was born the following year.

Charlene worked at Helzberg’s Jewelry and Richman Gordman. She enjoyed bowling, tennis, playing bingo, cards and the slots. Her favorite vacations were spent at Nest Lake, MN, and Big Narrows Resort in Canada, fishing with her husband and friends .

Her greatest passion was her flower garden, where she planted 3000 flowers from seeds, starting each winter in her basement.

Charlene’s greatest loves, besides her daughters, were all the animals she raised (especially her Siamese kittens), the strays who came to her door, the birds who came to her 30 bird feeders, as well as the squirrels, rabbits, deer, pheasants and chipmunks she cared for.

Charlene is survived by her three daughters, Shari Wilson, Kari (Bill) Ankeny, and Charli (Mike) Frederick; four grandchildren, Tammy, Angela, John Thomas, and Elizabeth; four great-grandchildren, Ehrin, Bailey, Brooke, and Evelyn; and a great-great-grandson, Haydon. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Charlene will always be remembered for her love of animals and flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Furry Friends Refuge, 1211 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265.