Charlene Saunders

Charlene Harris Saunders, 84, beloved mother, grandmother, and Hall of Fame Soccer Mom, passed away in the early morning hours on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Reedsburg Area Medical Center in Reedsburg, WI. She was born on January 10, 1941, in Indianapolis, IN to Edward and Dorothy (Johnson) Harris. Charlene graduated from George Washington High School in 1959 in Indianapolis, IN. She spent the next two years working for the Air Force to save enough money to put herself through college. Charlene, and only Charlene, paid for her own college education. She pursued a degree in Education and graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in 1966 with a certification to teach emotionally challenged children and adults. Her first job out of college was at the Kankakee State Hospital where she thrived as a caring, nurturing teacher. Charlene claimed that this first teaching position was her all-time favorite, despite how challenging it was. Her students’ progress always motivated her. Her devotion to them spoke volumes about her loving soul. In 1967, on a Friday night in Spring Lake, WI, Charlene would meet the love of her life. Although Jerry was from Detroit and Charlene was from Indianapolis, they were unaware that they had mutual friends in Norris and Mickey Hoggset. The rest was history: Charlene and Jerry would marry on March 23, 1968. They later had two sons, Scott and Todd, and eventually settled down in Racine, WI where Charlene worked at the Racine County Courthouse for 19 years. One of Charlene’s biggest joys was watching her two sons play soccer. Charlene was the ultimate fan and her rallying cry was “AWRITA!” It became synonymous with her super fandom. She even put the word on her license plate. After retirement, Charlene and Jerry moved to Reedsburg, WI to be closer to their son, Scott. During this time, they were blessed with becoming grandparents, and Char would become the ultimate. Char and Jerry loved volunteering at West Elementary and Al Berhman Elementary schools in Baraboo, WI. They were both revered as “Grandma and Grandpa” to all the classes they volunteered for. It was common to see “their” kids run to them in places like Walmart with outstretched arms ready for a hug. In 2017, they won the Al Behrman Award for contributions to the students and inspiring others to do the same. One of Charlene’s greatest assets was her smile. It was as warm and genuine as we all know her soul to be. Her divine soul permeated through her beautiful blue eyes. To know Char was to love her. Charlene’s force was kindness and that was her ultimate power. Thank you, mom, for everything. You are SO missed. Charlene is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jerry; sons, Scott (Niki) Saunders, Todd (Sandy) Saunders; grandchildren, Jackson Bruce, Maya Shay, Saizzi Shay-Saunders, and George Saunders; sister Cathey (Medy Myers) Moore, and brother Bill Harris. She is further survived by much loved nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, nephew William Harris, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Harris. In lieu of memorials, the family requests a donation be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Memorial service will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 5 p.m. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4 p.m. until time of service.

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Charlene Saunders

January 10, 1941 - March 14, 2025