Charlene "Char" Joan (Wollenzien) Drefahl

Charlene J. Drefahl, age 80 of Crandon, took rest in the arms of her Savior, early Wednesday morning, September 13, 2023 at Kindred Hearts Assisted Living, Clintonville.

Charlene “Char” Joan Drefahl was born May 21, 1943 in West Allis, WI, daughter to the late Charles & Evelyn (Herman) Wollenzien. She worked as a candy striper for West Allis Memorial Hospital while she was still in high school, and later graduated with the class of 1961 from Milwaukee Lutheran High. Char enrolled in the Columbia College of Nursing, Milwaukee, where she graduated and worked as a nurse in the labor and delivery department at West Allis Memorial Hospital. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” W. Drefahl on December 1, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Allis. After working for close to 20 years at the hospital, the couple purchased a farm near Embarrass, WI and later, a larger farm near Tigerton, WI. Jim and Char were active members of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville when they lived in the area; she was strong in her faith in Jesus and did her devotions and read her Bible daily. Char worked at New London Hospital for a couple of years until she decided to help full-time on the farm. She also worked for a couple of years at Econofoods, Clintonville where she was assistant manager. Once they retired fully, the couple moved up to the Crandon area on Lake Metonga, where she enjoyed hosting family and fishing off the dock as often as she could. Char was an excellent cook, and won many blue ribbons for her baked goods at the Wisconsin State Fair. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, and word searches. Crocheting, especially afghans for her grandchildren after they were born, was something that she cherished. If you needed a gift idea for Char, you could never go wrong with cashews, her favorite snack. She also loved to go for day-trips in the car looking for waterfalls to visit in northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Jim preceded her in death on August 3, 2023, just six weeks prior; she is now reunited with him and their Lord forever. Char will be remembered as a strong Christian woman who put faith and family first in her life.        

She is survived by:
Daughter: Jamie (Tim) Lodewegen, Marion & Cathy (Rick) Boda, Shawano
Son: Mike (Shawn) Drefahl, Tigerton & Justin (Patti) Drefahl, Tigerton
Grandchildren: Crystal (Jim Tischauser) Falkenberg, Tommy (Kim) Lodewegen, Jeni (Andy) Schmidt, Dylan (Tara) Drefahl, Mandi (Patrick Greene) Drefahl, Cole (Jasmine) Drefahl, Whitney Boda, Briana (Eric Bergsbaken) Boda
8 great-grandchildren

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James “Jim” W. Drefahl; and a brother, Allen Wollenzien.

A private graveside committal and urn burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville, with the Rev. Jason Zobel officiating.

“A special thank you to the staff at Kindred Hearts and Compassus Hospice, for the love and support you have shown our entire family.” - The Drefahl Family

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the Drefahl family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.