Charlene K. Spear

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charlene Kay Spear, who passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center, Iowa, at the age of 84. Charlene was born on April 30, 1941, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Nick and Edna Thomsen. They moved to Wesley and then eventually settled in Lakota in 1951, where Charlene grew up on a farm with her five siblings, learning the value of hard work by caring for the animals-including pigs, feeder cattle, and sheep-and helping in the fields during planting and harvest.

She was active in sports and especially enjoyed basketball, which became one of her lifelong passions. These early experiences shaped the dedication, strength, and compassion that guided her throughout her life. Charlene met Garry Spear while attending school at Lakota, and the two were married on July 27, 1963. They first made their home in Ledyard, Iowa, before moving to Lakota in 1975, where they farmed and raised their family together. Charlene and Garry were blessed with six children: Tamie, Theresa, Trudi, Tina, Timothy, and Travis. Their partnership and devotion to one another provided the foundation for the life and family they built. A gifted cosmetologist, Charlene owned and operated Char's Town & Country Salon for 26 years. Beyond her salon, she shared her talents and creativity by organizing and putting on hair shows, which brought joy and inspiration to many. Her devotion to her community was evident in many ways. Charlene helped organize the Lakota Centennial Celebration, the Lakota Quasquicentennial, and was instrumental in organizing many Lakota Fall Festivals. She also dedicated her time to organizing and maintaining the Lakota Museum, ensuring that local history and heritage would be preserved for future generations.

Charlene also loved gardening and, later in her life, tending to her many flowers and plants, and she enjoyed canning food. She also loved going to garage sales with Garry and her grandchildren, always making it a fun adventure. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play all sports, with basketball holding a special place in her heart. Above all, Charlene cherished her family.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family will always treasure the love and guidance she gave. She is survived by her husband, Garry Spear, and their children: - Tamie (Kel) Koppen of Lakota, IA - Theresa (Rich) Berg of Buffalo Center, IA - Trudi Spear of Buffalo Center, IA - Tina (Keith) DeWitt of Waukee, IA - Travis (Emily) Spear of Urbandale, IA Charlene is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Kelsie (Ben) Baggenstoss, Blake (Lindsey) Berg, Brooke Berg and friend Nick Veenstra, Spencer (Ella) Bauer, Zach Bauer, Kalynn DeWitt, Madison DeWitt, Cooper DeWitt, Mason Spear, Anibel Spear, and Tanner Spear. She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Kade Koppen; Lukas and Kenna Baggenstoss; Lexi, Paige, Ava, and Cora Berg, with one more great-grandchild on the way, all of whom brought her endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy, her parents, Nick and Edna Thomsen, and her siblings, Larry Thomsen, Joyce Hensyel, and Butch Thomsen.

A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Town Center in Buffalo Center. Her family will greet friends at a Memorial Visitation from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Town Center.