Charlene Marsh

With heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charlene Jane Marsh, born on October 6, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who left us peacefully on June 23, 2025, at the age of 82. Charlene's life, filled with love, resilience, and dedication to family and community, will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.
Charlene was the beloved daughter of Charles Sanford McConaughay and Helen Janette Spilde. Growing up in Cedar Rapids, she completed her education at Prairie High School in 1961 and went on to graduate as a Mercy Nursing Technician in 1962. This early foundation in healthcare would serve as a testament to her compassionate nature throughout her life.
On August 28, 1965, Charlene married Randall Dean Halblom. Their union was filled with love and joy until his tragic passing in 1976. In the years that followed, Charlene found love again and was married to Kenneth Earl Marsh on December 24, 1991, in Omaha, Nebraska. Kenneth, too, left this world far too soon, passing in 2008. Charlene faced these losses with profound strength and grace, surrounded by her family who provided her with unwavering support.
Professionally, Charlene had a distinguished career as an Executive Secretary in the life insurance industry. She began her journey with Life Investors Insurance Company of America and continued her work through its mergers with Aegon and Transamerica, retiring in 2008.
Charlene's heart was as expansive as her interests. She was deeply involved in her community, contributing to organizations such as the American Heart Association, the go red women and the United Way. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, as she was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Her dedication and hard work as a volunteer earned her a visionary youth leadership award, with The National Council on Youth Leadership in 2010.
Charlene's hobbies brought her immense joy. She loved shopping, gardening, and taking summer trips to Okoboji. She treasured the time spent with her grandchildren, sharing unforgettable moments attending musicals with her granddaughter and indulging in back-to-school shopping trips with all her grandkids. Her trips to the Guttenberg Cabin were cherished family traditions where bonds were strengthened and memories were made. She took great pride in her appearance and had a wonderful sense of style that never went unnoticed.
Charlene is survived by her loving son, Matt (Janelle) Halblom, and her cherished Grandsons: Christopher (Mackenzie) Halblom and their children Brightyn, Skylar, and Leighton; and Drake (Madison) Halblom and their children Adeline and Eden, Granddaughter Payton (Jamie) Halblom. She will also be deeply missed by her sister, Jennie (Mike) Strohman, and her brother, Dennis (Clarice) McConaughay as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Randall Dean Halblom (1976), and her second husband, Kenneth Earl Marsh (2008).
Charlene's battle with cancer was fought with the same courage she showed in all aspects of her life. She was deeply grateful to her entire healthcare team, whose dedication and care provided her with comfort and support throughout her journey.
A celebration of Charlene's life will begin with a visitation on June 27th from 4-6pm at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services will be at the First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids on June 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed online at Firstlutherancr.org/live. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to the First Lutheran Church of Cedar Rapids in her memory.
Charlene was a loving, caring, and dedicated individual whose impact on her family and community will be felt for generations to come. May her legacy of love, service, and style continue to inspire all who knew her.