Charlene Josephine Blakesley

Charlene Josephine Blakesley passed away at Parkview Care Center in Wells on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Private family services will take place at a later date. Burial will take place at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Amboy.

Charlene was born at home on October 7, 1926 in Garden City Township to Coad and Josephine (Johnson) Gilman. She attended Lake Crystal schools and graduated in 1944. On February 24, 1946, she married Lawrence Blakesley. He later died in a tragic accident. Charlene then married Earl Blakesley until his death in 1987.

She was a lifetime member of the Amboy area, a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Amboy, a room mother for her three sons, and a member of the Rebecca Lodge. Charlene enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and taking trips to the casino. She also loved to drive selling Avon, before her eyesight was hindered due to macular degeneration. Charlene was an excellent cook, especially when it came to her homemade mashed potatoes and gravy.

She is survived by her children, Gene (Pam) Blakesley of Amboy, Donald Blakesley of Amboy, and Nancy Ball of Lakeville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Fran Heers, Violet Kern, and Alice (Dick) VanBrunt; and sisters-in-law, Dora Gilman and Phyllis Gilman; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Lawrence; second husband, Earl; son, Bruce Blakesley; son-in-law, Rick Ball; brothers, Edward and Melvin Gilman; and brothers-in-law, Paul Heers and Robert Kern.