Charlene Kay Minchow was born May 20, 1943, to Henry and Laura (Ihde) Katt in Seward. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 10, 2025, at Tabitha in Crete.
During Charlene’s life journey, she attended rural school, Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Malcolm High School. She then worked at the Nebraska State Capitol for the Nebraska Department of Roads. On May 26, 1962, she married the love of her life, Dean Minchow, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she attended, in Seward. They made their home on the family farm near Pleasant Dale and were blessed with three children, Brenda, Sharyn and Scott.
Charlene took on the role of raising their family and helping Dean when they took over the family farm. She served on the Pleasant Dale Election Board, was an extension club member, assisted with the kids’ 4-H club and volunteered for many Pleasant Dale school activities. Later, Charlene worked at the Omaha World Herald for a short time. She was currently a member of Pleasant Dale United Methodist Church, where for many years she assisted with church bazaars, fundraisers, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school.
Charlene was very creative and had fun making all kinds of crafts. She loved the country life, working outdoors and tending to her many flowers as well as treasure hunting for glassware. Her pride was her family. She really enjoyed attending grandkid's activities and having the family together for Sunday supper. Charlene dedicated herself to God and her family with grace and love. With that, her family takes comfort in knowing she is with her creator and can now be taken care of the way she always took care of everyone else.
Charlene is survived by her husband of nearly 63 years, Dean; children, Brenda (Dan) Petsch, Pleasant Dale, Sharyn (Dave) Marreel, Lincoln, and Scott Minchow, Pleasant Dale; grandchildren, Megan Petsch (fiancé, Peter Sobczyk), Trevor Marreel, Ashley Marreel, and Stephanie (Alex) Hall; five great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Katt, Lincoln; and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alan and Mary Minchow, Milford, Susan Minchow, Pleasant Dale; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Laura Katt; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Donna Katt; brother, Alan Katt; parents-in-law, Ardell and Lorene Minchow; infant sister-in-law, Marylin Minchow; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanette (Keith) Bottrell, Doris (Bob) Lukow and Ronald Minchow.
The funeral service was Feb. 17 with private interment at the Pleasant Dale Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
