Obituaries
Charlene “Char” VanHiel
April 27, 1935 - August 5, 2024


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VISITATION
August 12, 2024 | 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois - Celebration of Life
- August 13, 2024 | 10:00 A.M.
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Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Union Cemetery Saint Charles, IL
Charlene “Char” VanHiel, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5th, 2024
Charlene grew up in St. Charles, IL, with her parents, Leslie Jackson and Gertrude Linaea Jackson nee Eckstrom, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. In high school, Charlene was active in clubs and activities, especially basketball and other sports. She was a member of the student council, president of the Girls Athletic Association and voted outstanding athlete of her senior class. She was part of the Homecoming Court her senior year. In 1953, Charlene graduated from St. Charles High School and went on to study theatre arts at the former Goodman School of Drama (now The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago). Some of her fondest memories were of her experiences there, including many children’s roles and playing the court jester in “King Lear.” She also took part in children’s programs on Channel 11. She became friends with her Goodman classmates and faculty alike, and her wedding dress was made by the late Tony and Oscar winning costume designer, Theoni V. Aldridge.
Charlene worked in the engineering drafting department of Hawley Products, where she met and later married Robert VanHiel. Together they had four children: Tim, Lezlie, Jodi and Thad. As a homemaker, Charlene spent many hours taking her children to swimming and music lessons and encouraging them to attend college. She loved camping, and planned many family adventures around the U.S. As a grandmother, she was known for hosting amazing annual Christmas Eve celebrations, and attending many soccer games, swimming and track meets, and concerts. She loved plants and gardening and worked as the Garden Shop manager at Kmart. In her later years, she enjoyed riding her bike and playing ping pong at the St. Charles Park District. Char attended church and was faithful in assisting with toy drives and Wednesday dinners. She also enjoyed international travel with family and friends, as well as going to see movies and out to eat with friends from church.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert (1979). She is survived by her four children: Tim VanHiel (Lorie); Lezlie Shackell (Robin); Jodi Hertz (Dustin); and Thad VanHiel (Jenny). Char has 12 grandchildren: Gian, T.J, Matt, Jonah, Joshua, Thad David “L.T.”, Abby, Alexis, Joseph, Amy, Xavier, and Jax; and two great grandchildren: Everett Cole and Avery Lynn.
A visitation will be held for Charlene on Monday, August 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home at 405 East Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois. A “celebration of life” service will be held at Yurs Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 13 at 10:00 A.M. with burial to follow at Union Cemetery.
Condolences
Karen Kling Ambrogi from Fairbanks , AK
"I am so so sorry to hear about Char passing. When I was younger Bob and Char came to our house every Christmas with the whole VanHeil family. What memories I have of them!!!!"
Serena Cooper from Colorado Springs, CO
"Ma’am,As human beings, it is always tough when we love the ones we love and known our whole lives. The changes in emotions is unpredictable and a lot of the time we don’t know how to feel and that’s alright. What we have as believers, is the encouragement knowing our loves are safe with the Lord and that our love ones will miss us as well but they are in a space where they can rejoice in confidence knowing that our Lord has prepared a special place for us all for that day. Sending love ma’am! (Your old ROTC cadet) ❤️"
Rhonda Campbell from Lewisburg , TN
"I’m so sorry to hear about Char. She was my little lady. I will always remember her calling my name when she needed something bucause she knew she had me wrapped around her finger and I would do most anything she ask me too. I will be praying for the family in the days and years to come. Rest in peace sweet lady."