Published on April 15, 2026 2:24 pm
Last Updated on April 15, 2026 2:48 pm
Charlene Catherine Westendorf, 80, of Teutopolis, IL, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday April 18, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, IL. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Charlene was born on October 6, 1945 in Jasper County, IL, the daughter of John and Rosa (Ochs) Rubsam. She married John B. Westendorf on October 5, 1968, and he preceded her in death on July 20, 1998. Charlene was a loving mother and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was humble and quiet in her ways. Charlene enjoyed embroidery and crocheting. She operated an in-home daycare for many years, having countless children pass through her doors calling her grandma. Charlene also enjoyed time spent with her Tuesday “card club” ladies. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Charlene is survived by her daughters, Carla (Gary) Deters, Lisa Westendorf, and Amy (Kenny) Vahling; grandchildren, Mindy Myers, John (Christy) Deters, Trent Myers, Emma Deters, Jeff (fiancée, Serena) Deters, and Zach Vahling; siblings, Donald (Carolyn) Rubsam and Trudy Russo; and in-laws, Carolyn Westendorf, Kenneth (Colleen) Westendorf, Maryann (Vic) Hardiek, Lori Westendorf, Leonard (Ruth) Westendorf, Ruth (George) Bushue, Florence (John) Schrock, Rich Westendorf, and Pete Walk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Westendorf; son-in-law, Joe Myers; siblings, twin sister Carolyn (Daymond) Walters, Oscar (Dorothy) Rubsam, Walter (Dorothy Ann) Rubsam, Bernadette (William) Watkins, Victor (Rose Mary) Rubsam, Elmer Rubsam, Rosemary (Ron) Schopp, and Robert (Marilyn) Rubsam; and in-laws, Art Westendorf, Clete Westendorf, Bernice Walk, Norbert Klingler, and Ron Russo.