Obituary of Charlene Irene Knowlton

Charlene completed her earthly work on May 28, 2019 and entered Heaven peacefully to be with her Lord surrounded by family. She won her battle with breast cancer 11 years ago and was fighting pancreatic cancer. Charlene was born in Kalamazoo and raised in Otsego, a 1965 graduate. She married Richard “Dick” Knowlton, who survives, on October 16, 1965 in Otsego and resided there while Dick was in the US Army. She worked locally at GAC Finance, Hinkle’s Bakery, Otsego High School and Pipp Hospital. Relocating to Kalamazoo with Dick, she was employed by Borgess Hospital until her retirement 2007. She loved her family, the outdoors, trips up north, serving at First Congregation of Otsego (where she was member) on many committees, especially the annual Christmas Basket project. Her smile, kindness and loving memories will be cherished by her family and friends. Surviving are her husband Dick, sons Rich and Russ (Alicia), 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, siblings Sandy (Jim Smathers) GA, Ann (John) Long FL, Cathy (Doug) Fritz Plainwell, Caren (Steve) Kling Wyoming, and Ernest Rockafellow Parchment. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Otsego on Saturday, June 8, 10 AM visitation, 11 AM service with a luncheon to follow with Pastor Darrin Youngs officiating. Monetary donations in her honor may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo or FCC Otsego.