Charlene Mae Newman

Charlene Mae (Kemper) Newman, age 88, of Viroqua, WI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2025.

Born July 21, 1936 in Hawarden, Iowa to Joseph Henry and Iva Mae (Taylor) Kemper.

After graduating from Hawarden High School, Charlene married Merlyn Curtis Newman on May 29th,1953; they were married for 53 years until the time of his death in 2006.

In the earlier years, the couple lived in Vermillion, South Dakota with their 3 sons, while they owned and operated their bowling alley “EMCEE Lanes.” In 1966 Charlene secretly applied her husband for a job in a small city 9 hours away called Viroqua, WI. Wasn’t he surprised when he got an interview/got the job for the new city manager position to bring Natural Gas to town! Charlene, 9 months pregnant with their daughter, moved her husband and family to Wisconsin, and they were always thankful they made that big move. (She said that’s what she had to do to get her girl!)

Charlene loved her Badgers, playing cards, doing puzzles, was a member of the Women’s Bowling Association for years, the Eagles Club, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – where she started a free Clothing Closet in 2010-and it’s still going strong, and she worked at Viroqua Area Schools for 44 years – well into her 80’s. All these years, and many people still would come up to her and say “Hey – you’re the malt lady I loved at school!” Charlene never put herself first, always offered a smile, a laugh, patience and great advice if you asked for it. She never judged anyone but gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and reminded us not to take life too seriously, but to enjoy it, and love everyone no matter what. She made a huge difference in many lives just by being her – being real – always being thankful and sincere. The best mom, grandma, great[1]grandma, in-law, sister, bonus grandma, aunt, friend, anyone could have.

Charlene is survived by her children: Rick (Diane) Newman, Bret (Roni) Newman, Jeff (Kathy) Newman, Lisa (Alan) Larson;  grandchildren: Rachel (Brandon) Schlesinger, Joe Newman, Jeni (Marvin) Lopez, Jessica (Aaron) Engebretson, Trevor (Sara) Newman, Emily (Josh)VandenAvond, Katie Deaver, Tyler (Stephanie) Deaver, Brandon (Bethany) Larson, Jordan (Ryan) Jones; great-grandchildren: Maddux, Jaxon, Harper Schlesinger, Ella Lopez, Caleb, Maddie, Noah Engebretson, Libby Newman, Raegan, Soren VandenAvond, Lane Deaver and baby boy Deaver who is due any day, Aria, Emma and Celia Larson; siblings: Marlys Hendricks, Dorothy Olson, William Kemper, and David Kemper; and many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merlyn Newman and brother Bud Kemper.  

Funeral services are being handled with loving care by Roth Family Cremation Center of Viroqua. Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Friday, February 7th, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Alex LaChapelle officiating.  A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of service.  Burial will take place in the Viroqua Cemetery.

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