Charlene Frances Warren

Charlene (Stettler) Warren, 99, formerly of Correctionville, Iowa, passed away on August 24, 2024, at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church in Correctionville. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at the church. Private burial will be in the Correctionville cemetery.

Charlene was born May 15, 1925, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, to Herman and Frances (Hines) Stettler. After high school graduation, Charlene earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Journalism from Iowa State University in 1947. On July 16, 1950, she married John Richard Warren, with his father officiating. They had 2 children and were married for over 30 years before John's passing at age 56 in 1981. Char was a widow for the next 43 years.

After college, Char worked for the extension service at Penn State and later Cornell University, where she was involved in early production work in a new medium called “television.” In addition to raising her family, Char wrote for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, worked at the Iowa legislature, handled public relations for the Sioux City library, and judged 4-H exhibits at county and state fairs.

Char was very active and effective in supporting causes she believed in. She was a 50+ year member of the Methodist Church and PEO, a fixture at church board and city council meetings, a youth leader, a lifelong Republican, and a driving force behind community betterment. She was named Citizen of the Year and was chosen for a state-wide Friend of Extension award.

However, her most significant gift was her character. She approached life with infectious enthusiasm and a fun, ever-positive spirit. She sincerely loved God and lived out her faith in her relationships. She was a good listener and a trusted friend to her family and to people of all ages and persuasions. She lived well and loved well and was deeply loved in return.

Survivors include her daughter, Janet (Randy) Krueger; son James (Patricia) Warren; 2 grandsons, Kevin and Eric (Andrea) Warren, and their mother, Luann Warren; 3 great-grandchildren, Malachi, Isaac and Zara Warren; a sister, Ellen Leslie; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Elizabeth "Beth" Humiston; a nephew; all of her in-laws; and several close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to charitable organizations special to Char. Cards and/or stories may be sent c/o her daughter at 4862 Bradford Lane, Sioux City, IA 51106.