Charlene M. Meier

July 12, 1929 - December 6, 2020

Charlene Marie Meier, age 91 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 6, 2020, at 3:25 PM at Herrin Hospital. Charlene was born on July 12, 1929 in Elmwood Park, Illinois. She was the only child born to Walter Kruse and Irene (Horn) Kruse. On June 29, 1957, Charlene was united in marriage to Emil “Slim” Meier in Palos Park, Illinois. They cherished 42 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on June 24, 2000. Charlene is survived by: 2 sons – David (Crystal) Meier of Tunnel Hill and Robin (Marlene) Meier of Carbondale; 7 grandchildren - Martin Meier, Starlene Meier, Shawn Chaput, Thomas Meier, Christopher Meier, Collin Meier, and Chase Meier; several great grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Charlene is preceded in death by: a son – Steven Meier and a grandson – Michael Chaput. Charlene worked as a substitute bus driver for the Vienna, Meridian, and Century school districts. She was also employed by the Southern Five Planning Commission and assisted agency clients and local communities obtain Federal Government Grants. She was instrumental in acquiring funds for the historic Olmsted, IL railroad depot project. Charlene retired in the mid-1990’s. Charlene was of the Lutheran faith. Locally, she had attended Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna. Charlene had been a passionate horse lady. She and Emil raised and showed horses for many years. They were longtime attendees of the 9-Day Trail Ride. Additionally, they raised Great Danes. The family enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping, boating and swimming. A graveside service honoring the life of Charlene Meier will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2020, at 2 PM at Kerley Cemetery, Kerley Lane, Simpson, Illinois. Interment will follow. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM – 2 PM Saturday at the cemetery. Those attending the service are reminded that customarily accepted social distancing guidelines should be observed. The wearing of a face mask or covering is strongly encouraged. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.