Charlene May Schauer

Charlene May Schauer, age 87, of Ord, Nebraska, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, from complications of Alzheimer's and aging.

Charlene May was born on October 3, 1937, in Ord, Nebraska, to Guy B. and Irma D. (Sinner) Mulligan. She was the fourth of five children and grew up near the Vet's Ground and on Haskell Creek Road. She attended country school District #34 and #45. She graduated from Ord High School in 1954 at the young age of 16. She attended summer school at Kearney State College for normal training to become a teacher. She briefly taught in a country school, but being younger than some of her students she had to quit teaching due to the lack of their respect. She worked as a nurse aide at the hospital, where she found joy in caring for others.

On May 22, 1955, Charlene married the love of her life, Carl Ernest Schauer, at the First United Methodist Church in Ord. Together they began their life on the Schauer family farm near Olean for three years before moving to Chambers for a year, then to the Warren Olson Ranch in Bartlett, where they lived for seven years. In 1967, they returned to Ord and made their permanent home at 1743 L St in 1968. She resided at the Community Memorial Health Center since May of 2020.

Charlene worked as secretary at the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed welcoming and assisting the many parish ministers throughout the years.

In 1976, Carl and Charlene purchased the Standard Service Station, where she managed the bookkeeping and was a station attendant until they closed the doors and sold the station in 2010.

Faith, family, and community were central to Charlene's life. She was an active member of the Happy Circle Extension Club for over 50 years, serving in many roles. She was also dedicated to the First United Methodist Church where she faithfully held a lifelong membership. She held various offices with the UMC Women's group, played piano, sang in the choir, and participated in church productions. She also belonged to the IOOF & Rebekah Lodge in Ord. She humbly volunteered for Valley County Hospice, again, caring for others.

Charlene was known for her famous chicken noodle soup, prepared faithfully for the church rummage sales twice a year. She loved playing and singing music at church and care homes, cooking and baking for her family, and gathering loved ones for big meals.

For over 30 years, she sang with the "Melody Moms," starting in 1968, bringing music and joy to many. They were dedicated to practicing at least once a week, while managing their jobs, homes and families with over 30 children combined. The unity of voices and souls made for lifelong friendships between all of the families. Their perfect harmony resulted with them winning many contests with their theme song "People" and performing at many local occasions.

She enjoyed polka and waltz dancing, class reunions, and family picnics at the park on the 4th of July. Some of her favorite things included watching The Lawrence Welk Show, Actor - John Wayne, the song "How Great Thou Art," savoring her homemade potato soup, and enjoyed watching The Sound of Music.

Charlene and Carl lived at their home on L Street in Ord for 52 years, and in 1992, they bought the Schauer family farm, where Charlene loved working alongside Carl in all aspects of farm life. She also enjoyed playing pitch with their North Loup card club friends and with their dear friends Ron and Georgene, and spades with her siblings whenever they visited Nebraska.

Charlene is survived by her children, Connie Hansen, Curtis (Susan) Schauer, Carla Korth (Jim Brezina), Caren Ammon, and Colleen (Harlan) Hansen; her grandchildren Doug, Sheri, Justin, Crystal, Jon, Matthew, Caleb, Christie, Tony, Misty, Lance, and Shane; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and loyal service station customers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Irma Mulligan; her beloved husband, Carl; siblings, Marjorie Beniot, Melvin (Arlene) Mulligan, Verlee (Clarence) Porter, and Eldon (Sharon) Mulligan; in-laws, William and Della (Marks) Schauer; son-in-law, Dennis Hansen; brothers-in-law, Billy Schauer and Lynn (Lynda) Schauer; and all of her aunts and uncles.

Charlene will be remembered for her loving heart, her love of music, her hospitality, and the many ways she served her family, church, and community.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Ord, Nebraska. Pastor Josiah Mono and Pastor Doug Durre will officiate. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery at North Loup, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Family's Choice for future designation.

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