Charlene E. Tukiendorf

Charlene E. Tukiendorf, age 73, of Yuba, WI, formerly of Chicago, IL passed away due to a broken heart on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Charlene, affectionately known as "Chickie", was born to John and Lilian Greblowski on July 29,1951, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Chicago where she attended Madonna High School. Charlene started working at a neighborhood bakery at the age 16 where she met the love of her life, Adolph Tukiendorf. Charlene and Adolph were married on April 18,1970, then moved to Yuba, Wisconsin in 1974. They successfully operated a dairy farm for 26 years and even continued raising beef cows and growing crops for many years after. Charlene also worked as a dental receptionist for Dr. Dan Basarich and Dr. Terry Burke for close to 20 years, working alongside friends who became family to her, until she retired in 2022.
After retirement, Charlene found joy in tending the family orchard and nurturing the many plants that adorned the family farm, alongside her spouse and sons. To say she had a passion for growing plants would be an understatement. Charlene was always on the move-whether attending her grandchildren's dance recitals and concerts, playing bingo, enjoying lunches and dinners with friends, attending shows and musicals, or traveling with loved ones, she embraced life with enthusiasm and excitement.
She brought that same energy to the sidelines, cheering on the Packers and supporting her grandchildren at their soccer, baseball, and softball games. Her presence was constant, her smile ever-bright, and her warmth touched everyone around her. She never missed a beat with sending thoughtful cards in the mail for every celebration or milestone to her loved ones near and far. Charlene was also the best cook and baker, whether it was her famous magic cookie bars, banana bread, birthday cakes, or a pie for family or friends.
After the passing of her beloved spouse, Charlene took up the annual fishing trip with her sons and never missed an opportunity to raise a glass of bourbon or wine in a cheerful toast-"prost" or "nasdrovia" often ringing out in celebration.
Family visits were the highlight of her days. She not only loved hearing about her grandchildren's latest adventures and school achievements but also took a genuine interest in the lives of those around her in good times and in bad. To know Charlene was to know one of the kindest, most thoughtful souls to ever walk this earth.
Charlene and Adoph had five sons who were the center of their world. Christopher (Mandy Lewicki) of Milton, WI; Adam (Sirena Volden) of Readstown, WI; Michael (Leslie Hendricks) of Reedsburg, WI; Nathan of New Berlin, WI, and Charles (Rebecca Haak) Tukiendorf of Pewaukee, WI. Grandmother to Brynley, Aubrey, Elena, Harper, Hudson, Talia and Kaden Tukiendorf.
She was the dearest sister to James Gerblowski of San Francisco, CA. Charlene also has many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends that made a major impact on her life.
A celebration of life will be held in memory of Charlene on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Phoenix Center from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Please send cards to Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service, c/o Tukiendorf Family, 120 North Park St., Richland Center, WI 53581. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.