Charlene Lindahl Obituary

Description: Charlene Lindahl Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...


Published: 06/07/2023
Byline: SECO News

Charlene Lindahl

November 24th, 1932 – June 2nd, 2023

 

Obituary

Charlene (Grasmick) Lindahl of Rocky Ford passed away at her home on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the age of 90. Charlene was born on November 24,1932 to Henry W. Grasmick and Cleo V. (Robison) Grasmick Charlene attended Newdale and Vroman schools before entering Rocky Ford High School, graduating in 1950. Charlene then went to Denver to attend Blair’s Business College. While there, on a blind date, she met Dick Lindahl who was at the time in the United States Air Force and had recently returned from the Korean Conflict. They were married at the First Christian Church in Rocky Ford, May 19, 1953. The couple had two children, Kevin John in 1957 and Karen Jean in 1960. It turns out Karen had developmental problems associated with grand mal seizures. After several years of evaluations of Karen by “Professionals” it was recommended that Karen would be better off by being placed in a home or institution. Dick and Charlene insisted on finding a better alternative.

Charlene contacted other families in the valley with similar situations. With the co-operation of fifteen other families, they were able to start having classes and meetings at the La Junta Air Base in 1965. This was the beginnings of the Arkansas Valley Community Center. Later known as ARKVA, the Girch Center, and eventually becoming known as Inspiration Field. Charlene was an active volunteer at the center, serving on the Board of Directors for 14 years. She held the position of secretary and was previously vice president.

The Colorado Health Department chose Charlene as a “Child Health Council member” to represent Kiowa, Otero, Bent and Prowers Counties at the state level. In 1983 Charlene was honored as the “Top Colorado Volunteer in Health Services for Woman and Children” at a luncheon held in Denver. The nomination written by Doris Brown of Rocky Ford, read in part. Charlene Lindahl’s unselfish giving of her time and service in the community led to her nomination. Mrs. Lindahl always walks the extra mile and gives the extra hour. Her love and compassion for human beings is always in evidence. Among those extra miles have been transporting clients to “Handicapped camp” at Scott City, Kansas, spearheading athletic programs at the Lions Club “Handi Camp:” in Woodland Park, Colorado, she worked with Special Olympics, and helped with special holiday events at the center. Charlene was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in!

Charlene had an artistic talent that showed in her needle work and decorated gourd creations that earned her a “featured artist of the month” at the Koshare Museum in La Junta. In 1975 Charlene and Dick acquired Rocky Ford Floral where her artistic talents really came out as the floral manager and designer, creating floral arrangements that were seen and enjoyed throughout the valley on special occasions, weddings and funerals. Family and friends enjoyed Charlene's special love of children. Including her step grandchildren, Pierre, Matthew and Nicholas. She always had something to show and share with them that engaged their curiosity about nature and the unique things that could be discovered if one only knows where to look.

Charlene and Dick both were active at the First Christian Church in Rocky Ford. Serving on numerous committees, they taught Sunday School for many years. They hosted students from the Denver metro area to spend a week in a rural setting on the farm. They also hosted several Japanese students for summer visits, some of them kept in touch with Charlene for many years after their stay in Rocky Ford. In Charlene’s retirement years she volunteered at the Rocky Ford Library and supported the Friends of the Library group.

She spent many hours volunteering at the Community Thrift Shop. Was very active in the Rocky Ford Garden Club, and a member of the Bent’s Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association. For a while Charlene was active with the Germans from Russia group here in the Arkansas Valley. She always enjoyed playing Rummy cube and breakfast at Christine's with her lady friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her brother Bill Grasmick, daughter Karen and husband Richard (Dick) Lindahl. She is survived by her son Kevin, daughter in-law Norma and step grandchildren Arron Bedard, Pierre, Matthew and Nicholas Carrillo.

Per Charlene’s request, her body has been donated to The Anatomical Board of the State of Colorado, located at the University Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. A private memorial and inurnment will be held at a later date. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to “Inspiration Field” in Charlene's name.

 



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