Brower, Charlene (Mrs. Fred) 1927-2023

BROWER, OOLMAN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/25/2023 at 14:13:22

Mrs. Charlene Brower, age 95, Gilbert, Arizona, passed peacefully in her sleep on January 15, 2023, at the Higley House Assisted Living Home in Gilbert.

There will be a funeral service on Saturday, February 4, at 9:30am, at the First Reformed Church Chapel with the Rev. Mark Haverdink officiating. Following a time of brunch and fellowship, a private family interment will take place at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. The Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City is in charge of arrangements.

Charlene was born in 1927, in Orange City, Iowa. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, and a Master of Arts degree from Arizona State University, in Education, in Tempe. Charlene taught in Iowa for nine years and Gilbert, Arizona for twenty years. She was also a wonderful pianist and, in her retirement, enjoyed playing the piano at churches and care centers, along with volunteering at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Mesa Public Library and Feed My Starving Children.

Charlene married her high school sweetheart, Fred Brower in 1947. They lived in Orange City, Strawberry Point, Pocahontas, Sheldon and Hartley, all in Iowa, before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 1969. She also lived in Las Palmas Retirement Community in Mesa, Sunrise Senior Living in Gilbert and passed away at Higley House Assisted Living in Gilbert.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Fred Brower, her son Rick Brower, her parents, Herman and Hattie Oolman, and her brother Harvey Oolman (Eulyn).

Charlene is survived by her brother Cliff Oolman (Arlys); a sister-in-law, Frieda Massey; and two daughters, Jane Lolling (Gary), and their children, Brian Brockman, Brandon Lolling and Bradley Lolling (Jayson); and Colleen Smith (Keith), and their children, Cody Smith (Naomi), Erica Markham (Zach), Brooke Davies (Tanner), Chelsey Smith (Jake), Tanner Smith (Whitney), Emily Reader (Robbie), Calvin Smith and Hannah Smith; 23 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlene will always be known for her Christlike giving nature and was friends to all who knew her. She will be missed.

Memorials will be directed to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa, Arizona.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.