Memorial

Charlene Louise Vanous, age 85, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at MeadowView Assisted Living surrounded by her loving family in Cedar Rapids.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 7th, 2016 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 8 PM. Funeral service will be on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 
 
Charlene is survived by four children: Dr. Gail (Dr. William) Callahan of Waterloo; Kenneth Jr. (Cyndee) Vanous of Cedar Rapids; Christine (Tim) Carson of Palo; and Keith Vanous (special friend Kim Lampe) of Robins; grandchildren; Rebecca Groom, Keely (Joshua) Baade, Nick Cobb, Brett (Sarah) Vanous, Dr. Amy (Dr. Joshua) Barton, Curt Carson, Luke Carson, Kaelyn Vanous and Kory Vanous; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Jackson and William Barton, Jerret, Griffin and Callan Baade and Ethan Groom; brother Albert (Kathy) Willenborg of Cedar Rapids; as well as sisters Peggy (Bret) Parker of Center Point and Shirley (Alan) Nessett of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Kenneth in 2003.

Charlene was born October 15, 1930 in Cedar Rapids to Albert and Arlene (Watson) Willenborg.  She was united in marriage to Kenneth Vanous, Sr. on April 27, 1950 in Cedar Rapids.  To this union, four children were born.  Charlene worked for the Cedar Rapids Schools from 1966 to 1987.  She worked at Johnson Elementary, Wilson Junior High and Franklin Junior High.  Charlene was active in the police auxiliary, served as president and headed up the women’s activities for two Iowa Police Conventions held in Cedar Rapids. 

Charlene committed her life to raising her children, running the household, and supporting her husband throughout his career with grace and strength. She was devoted to her faith and family.  Charlene enjoyed, family vacations (they wintered in Arizona for several years), playing cards, casino tournaments, traveling and especially spending time with her family.  She was a member of the Red Hat Group and many church activities. Charlene will always be remembered for being a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  

Charlene’s family would like to extend many thanks to all nurses, friends and family who gave her support and showed her kindness. Also a special thanks to the staff and residents at MeadowView Assisted Living and Above and Beyond Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to New Disciples Church, 621 Edgewood Road NW, Cedar Rapids.