Charlene Odette Steinmeier Mundhenk Krause

The Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. will be livestreamed at longviewcommunitychurch.org
Charlene Odette Steinmeier Mundhenk Krause was a lively, energetic, caring person who loved people, helping at the church in the library and in visitations and always sending cards and original poetry to people for birthdays, get well wishes, sympathy, holidays, etc. She was married for the past 26 years to Wayne Krause who had been a friend since childhood in Nebraska, and lived in Longview Washington, attending Longview Community Church faithfully.
Charlene was born December 20, 1925 during a blizzard in Ansley, Nebraska. Neither she nor her mother Corra were given much chance of survival, but Charlene overcame all odds, and not only survived, but thrived, setting a theme for her entire life. She spent much of her time growing up in the family Rexall drug store. Her father Charles was a pharmacist. The story goes that she sang “My Blue Heaven” before she could walk. Music was certainly a huge part of her life. She sang, played the piano, clarinet, participated in band, plays, musicals and operettas. A song was always in her heart.
Charlene was married December 23, 1945 to Robert Galen Mundhenk and they had 3 children together; Melody, Kurt and Mona. Charlene and Galen used to perform together, she a soprano, he a tenor. Charlene taught piano for many years. She worked for Beneficial Finance for 24 years, and became a branch manager winning a number of various professional accolades.
Charlene was a mother, homemaker, professional woman and volunteer long before the term "multitasking" was invented. She loved to write poetry and self-published many of her vast multitude of poems, as well as annual calendars listing everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, and including memorials for lost loved ones. She loved to play the piano, drive and read books; activities that were curtailed by macular degeneration in her last years.
Her husband Galen passed in 1992, and Charlene was alone and kept working. But she reconnected with an old friend from grade school at her 50th high-school class reunion in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and as Wayne had lost his spouse as well, the two began a long-distance relationship through daily phone calls and letters. He was in Nebraska and she in the Seattle area.
Their relationship grew and the two lovebirds decided she would finally retire and they would elope! They were married May 17, 1994 in Kimball, Nebraska by an old school chum who was a judge, and chose Longview for their new home together, where they have stayed for 26 years.
Charlene is sorely missed, and holidays will never be the same without her. But she is in heaven now with her Lord where she can see and hear again to sing praises to His name and see His face.

“The Lord your God wins victory over victoryand is always with you.He celebrates and sings because of you,and He will refresh your life with His love.”Zephaniah 3:17

DON'T GRIEVE FOR MEBy Charlene O. Krause12/20/1925 – 5/21/2020
Don't grieve for me –Just let me sleepAnd dream of you.No, please don't weep.
Don't cry for meIf you're my friend.Just trust in Him.It's not the end
No, don't be sadThough days are long.Just trust in Him.My faith is strong.
I've lived my lifeIt was so fullOf song and music.Never dull.
I worked so hardAnd made the grade.In business lifeI was well paid.
Regrets are few.I did my best.A long, long life,Now let me rest.
Don't weep for me,My love or friend.I'm just asleep.It's not the end.
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