May 6, 1934 – November 15, 2025
Charlene A. Lee, 91, of Clear Lake, died unexpectedly and went home to be with her Lord Saturday, November 15, 2025 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center surrounded by her family.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street in Clear Lake, with Jon Happel officiating. She will be laid to rest at Clear Lake Cemetery.
Visitation will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake.
Memorials in Charlene’s honor may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or One Vision.
Charlene Alta Daniel was born on May 6, 1934, in Bradgate, Iowa. The daughter of Charles and Leona (Vinaas) Daniel. She grew up in Humboldt and proudly graduated with the Humboldt High School Class of 1952. On March 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Stanley Lee, and together they embraced a life of love, adventure, and devotion as they raised two children, Jim and Dendra. After moving around Iowa for several years, the family made Clear Lake their forever home in 1969. Charlene worked at Theiss Shirts and JCPenney before finding her calling at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.
Charlene lived her faith boldly and generously. A pillar at Zion Lutheran Church, she poured countless hours into volunteering, comforting families during funerals, supporting church events, and crafting blankets, quilts, and bags for people in need both near and far. She led with kindness as President of the Church Women and was an active member of Praise Circle, lifting others up through service and fellowship.
Her love for the outdoors shined brightly. She could often be found mowing her yard, tending lovingly to her flower and vegetable gardens, or transforming her homegrown produce into the delicious home-cooked meals she was famous for. Charlene’s kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and irresistible baked treats; no one ever left hungry.
Energetic and social to her core, Charlene embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved playing bridge with friends, powered through water aerobics three times a week, and delighted in long road trips. She spent most winters soaking in the Arizona sunshine, treasuring the friends and community she found there. A spirited sports fan, she cheered passionately for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, and especially women’s basketball; rooting proudly for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Charlene stayed vibrant, joyful, and full of spark right up until her final days. True to her lively spirit, she was recently out on the town following a wedding reception, laughing with family and friends well past 3 a.m. embracing life just as she always had.
Above all, Charlene’s greatest treasures were her children and grandchildren, who filled her life with pride, purpose, and immeasurable joy.
Charlene is survived by her son, Jim Lee (Kandice Bienfang-Lee); her daughter, Dendra Lee; and her grandchildren, Tamarik, Torian (Grace), Sharrell, Chase (Jaci), Sonny, Jaron, and Summer. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Arlene Lee; many nieces, nephews and close friends who were like family to her.
She is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Stanley Lee; her parents, Charles and Leona Daniel; her brother, Dwight Daniel; her sister, Onalee Walsh; her infant sister, Charolette Jean; her parents-in-law, Harry and Laura Lee; her brothers-in-law, Ronald Walsh, Dennis Lee, and Willis Buckingham; her sister-in-laws, Marjorie Buckingham and Marie Daniel; as well as three nephews, one niece, and one great-nephew.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel
310 First Ave. North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193
colonialchapels.com