Charlene Geier-Kunze, a longtime Colfax resident, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Whitman Hospital following a brief illness. She was 80. The rosary service will be Sunday, September 18th at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Colfax. The funeral Mass will be Monday at 10:00 am at the church. Burial will follow in the Colfax Cemetery. Charlene was born May 28, 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she spent her early childhood years. She moved to Colfax with her mother, Leona, and her brother, Greg, when she was a freshman in high school. Charlene graduated from Colfax High School in 1954. She married Ernest "Ernie" Geier September 10, 1955. They made their home in Colfax and Charlene settled into her role as wife and mother. Charlene was a supportive mother to her three children and even though they didn't have everything they wanted; they always had all they needed. Her goal of providing a stable environment and loving home for her kids gave each of them a solid family foundation. She always made each a special meal for their birthdays, which always included a fun birthday cake too. Charlene loved music of all types and sang at numerous weddings and funerals in the Colfax area over many years. The family liked to travel to the Oregon Coast, enjoyed playing cards together and often enjoyed dancing together. Spending time with her many friends was also an important part of her life. She was a member of the Elks Lodge, Peace Lutheran Church, a Blue Bird and Campfire Leader and a volunteer for the Whitman Hospital Auxiliary. Charlene worked at Pioneer Title in Colfax and Old National Bank, which was later acquired by U.S. Bank, where she was a branch manager and later a regional manager, eventually retiring in 1996. Her husband Ernie passed away December 9, 1995 and Charlene retired a short time later. A friendship was rekindled with a lifelong friend, Norman Kunze, whose wife of 40 years had also passed away. Charlene married Norman Kunze in Colfax on December 11, 1999. They liked to travel, mostly by car, and would often visit family in Chicago or friends in the Heartland of the U.S. Trips to the Oregon Coast were always a hit and they spent many winters in Arizona. Charlene is survived by her husband, Norman, at their home in Colfax; her three children, Debbie (Jerry) Knodel of Lind, WA., Jeff (Kristi) Geier of Colfax, and Chris (Adriana) Geier of Chicago, IL., 10 grandchildren, Josh (Lyndenn), Nate (Kelsey), Brandon, Justin, Conrad, Kaitlin, Gabe, Greta, Jayden and Mason; a great-grandson, Kasen; and her brother, Greg (Jan) Ireton of Houston, TX. She is also survived by Norm's children; Susan (Bob) Huey of Gig Harbor, WA. and Betsy (Bevin) Modrak of Boise, ID.; 7 step-grandchildren, Blake (Chelsea), Rachel, Ashley, Kayla and Quinn (Carla), Jeremy (Renee), Bobby, and 2 step-great-grandsons, Anthony and Paul. In addition to Ernie, she was preceded in death by 2 step-daughters, Debbie Kunze and Joanne Kunze-Weatherman. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Whitman Hospital Auxiliary. On line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.