John 5:24 says “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life.  He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.”

Charlene Ann Deignan, age 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior late Friday night February 17, 2017, with her loving husband at her side.  She was born into this world on November 30, 1939, in Kenosha, where she grew up with her two sisters, Maralyn and Pamela.  On October 7, 1961, she united in marriage to James Joseph Deignan and enjoyed a loving, fulfilling and patient life with him until her final breath was taken.

Charlene graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1957, then went on to study horticulture at the University of Wisconsin extension in Kenosha, all the while learning her craft as a floral designer at Sunnyside Florist shop.  She later worked at Angelo's Florist shop, eventually opening her own business called Okay Bokay's, where she absolutely loved creating beautiful floral arrangements out of her home.  No matter where life's journeys took her, her flower gardens were expansive, full of variety and meticulously cared for.  While Char's passion for flowers and gardening encompassed her life from high school to retirement and brought her great pleasure, being a wife, mother and grandmother was her true purpose in life and in that endeavor, she unequivocally succeeded.

In addition to her passion for cooking, bowling in the couples league at Guttormsen Lanes was one of many activities Char loved doing with Jim. Topping her list of loves, she absolutely treasured being a Green Bay Packers fan and eventual season ticket holder. The time spent riding shotgun heading to Packers practices, games and tailgating, was time never to be forgotten.  In addition, camping all over Wisconsin with Jim created many fond memories; watching her going about her camp duties was priceless and will forever be etched in her family’s minds.  Always the doting wife and mother, Char made certain everyone's needs were met no matter the occasion, no matter the cost.

During annual vacations with family and friends to Hayward, a spark was ignited so Jim and Char packed up the station wagon with the five kids, all their worldly possessions and set off on a mission to northern Wisconsin where they owned and operated Pope's Gresham Lodge until 1982.  It was there that Char's hard work ethic and sacrifice was inherited by her children and lives on through them today.

Forever the animal lover, Charlene had many precious pets, but none more loyal than her beloved German Shepard, Ambush. Together, with Sir Taffus of Waffus, her absolutely dedicated Cocker Spaniel, we are certain she was welcomed to heaven with a face full of licks.

Charlene will be sadly missed but forever revered by her devoted husband of 56 years, James; her children Michael D., Michelle A. (Robert) Galloway, James P., Stephen J. and Carrie L.  Tears roll down the cheeks of her 11 grandchildren: Nathaniel, Myles, Ryan, Lexie, Travis, Alayna, Bauer, Cloey, Cayla, Carly, and Callie. Charlene was to finally be a great-grandmother later this year.

Charlene is further survived by her dear aunt, Helen J. Schmitz, sisters, Maralyn (Lenny) Stec, and Pamela (Larry) Mattioda; her sister-in-law, Mary (Joseph) Nelson and brother-in-law, Jon (Eileen) Deignan. Charlene's cousins, nieces and nephews number many and are scattered about the country.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Caradoc D. and Benigda M. (Rudzik) Rowlands, her parents-in-law, A. Perry and Mary F. (Leahy) Deignan and her infant son, Patrick, Carrie's twin brother.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. Mary's hospital as well as the staff at Unity Hospice Center for their compassionate care.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Char’s life will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017, beginning with a prayer service at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave.,Kenosha, at 11:45 a.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224-45th Street. Inurnment will follow in St. George Cemetery.