Charlene M. Dingeldein

Charlene M. Dingeldein, 98, of La Crosse, WI, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Charlene was born in La Crosse on September 25, 1927 to Arthur and Bertha (Meyers) Taylor. She grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School. She married Joseph M. Dingeldein on November 16, 1946 in La Crosse.

After living in La Crosse for several years, she and Joe purchased their house and property in Chipmunk Coulee. Charlene spent her years keeping a beautiful home and building a loving family. She raised 6 children, and Joe and Charlene were foster parents to numerous children throughout those years. They are still remembered for the excellent care they provided.

Charlene was a prolific crafter, including knitting, crocheting and quilting. She made hand stitched quilts for every child and grandchild in our family, and those quilts are treasured to this day. She filled our lives with singing, poetry, and delicious food (especially her chocolate chip cookies). Everyone was welcomed into her home as family.

Charlene was a long time member of The Salvation Army and the First Church of Christ in La Crosse. Her volunteer work included Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and managing the Caring Tree at the Salvation Army. Her deep faith is best described as living out and demonstrating Christ’s love in serving the needs of her family and everyone she encountered.

Charlene loved our dad’s participation in the Coulee Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus. She loved going to conventions, concerts, and campouts, and said numerous times how much that enriched her life.

Charlene is survived by four children, James (Doris) Dingeldein of Black River Falls, Joseph Dingeldein of La Crosse, Lynda (Dave) Meyer of Stevens Point, WI, and Laurie (Joe) Duncan of West Salem, WI. She is further survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe; two children, Cinda Todd and Karen Brandt; one grandchild Michael Brandt; and her parents, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of services. Private burial will be held at Chipmunk Coulee Cemetery at a later date.