Charlene J Holbein

Charlene J. Holbein, 72, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 4, 1951 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to James and Vera (Murray) Houchin. Charlene attended public schools in Gothenburg and graduated from Gothenburg High School with the class of 1969. She then went on to further her education, taking a correspondence course, receiving her certificate in bookkeeping and accounting. 

On August 22, 1969 she was united in marriage to Steve Holbein in Cozad at the American Lutheran Church. Three children were blessed to this union: Michelle, Dawn and Chad. They made their home south of Darr, where Charlene focused her efforts on caring for the home and raising their children. She also cleaned homes during this time. The family moved to Lexington in 1976 where Charlene held various jobs over the years. She worked at Karre City Bakery, Sav-A-Lot and would spend the next thirty years working side-by-side with the love of her life, Steve. They had a sweeping business cleaning parking lots and floors. They moved snow in the winter and ran Steve’s Lock and Key, where she took care of the finances. 

Charlene enjoyed working on puzzles and crossword puzzles; was a fantastic baker and loved moving snow. She also had a beautiful garden she enjoyed tending and treasured time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Steve of Lexington; her children, Dawn (Sean) Cromer of Kearney and Chad Holbein of Grand Island; six grandchildren, Skylar (Joseph Kappes) Howell of Cozad, Gage Holbein of Nashville, Tennessee, Hunter (Mallory) Holbein of Omaha, Chase Lundgren of Kearney, Chloe Lundgren (Kris Junker) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Chayna Lundgren of Kearney; two great-grandchildren, Raelynn Carlson and Jameson Kappes; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Dan) Sabin of Lexington and Carol Wagner of Gothenburg; brother-in-law, Randy (Lois) Holbein of Gothenburg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle; siblings, Art (Josephine) Houchin, Artith (Derrell) Barnes, Vera “Sis” (Ralph) Kwiatkowski, Raymond Houchin, Joann Baldwin and Danny (Marlene) Houchin; sisters-in-law, Joann Block and Marlys Holbein; brother-in-law, Lorin Wagner and in-laws, Harold and Dorothy Holbein.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Sarah Neben, officiating.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Dawson County Relay For Life, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or Donor’s Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com