Charlene Peers

Urbandale

Charlene Dee Peers, 73, died Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, following a courageous 4 ½ year battle with cancer. Born May 16, 1938 in Evansville, Indiana, Charlene’s family moved to Florida, followed by a move to West Des Moines in 1951. She graduated from Valley High School in 1956, where she was a Valley Tiger Cheerleader and acted in many of the school plays. Following high school, Charlene attended Betty Bonn Modeling & Charm School where she eventually became an instructor and later managed the studios in Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas City. She and Robert “Bob” Peers married on May 2, 1959, and Charlene soon became a stay-at-home Mom for their 3 children, until beginning her career in Real Estate. For 35+ years she excelled in her real estate career, specializing in new construction sales.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Bob, of 52 years, Steven (Cheryl) Peers, Kathleen (Terry) Janssen, David (Tracy) Peers and the lights of her life, her 8 grandchildren: Chelsea Peers, Zachary Janssen, Andrew Peers, Jennifer Janssen, Alyssa Peers, Jacob Peers, Johnathan Janssen and Katelynn Janssen. Also left to honor her memory are Charlene’s sister, Debra (Steven) Patterson, sister-in-laws, Terry Peers and Patricia Main, brother-in-law, James Peers (Jackie) and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandmother and grandfather, Pearl & Lester Hendrickson, mother and father, Mildred & Raymond Main and brother, Larry Main. Charlene was a gracious woman that touched so many lives through her career in real estate and inspired her family with her positive influence on others.

Our family is very grateful to Charlene’s caregivers, Dr. Deborah Turner and staff, Deb Schnor, Dr. Jose Angel, and the wonderful nurses and staff at Mercy 8th Floor South and Mercy Hospice, Johnston.

The family will greet friends on Monday, October 17th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m., both at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice in Johnston.