July 23, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – Charlene Zarling, 92, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. She was born in New England, ND on July 14, 1933 and was the daughter of Charles and Emma (Magnuson) Erickson. She graduated from New England, ND High School and attended the University of North Dakota. Charlene received her teacher’s certificate from Mayville Teachers College and was a substitute teacher, as well as a homemaker.
She was also active in the Miss America organization for many years, where she was a judge for local beauty pageants.
Charlene was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, West Bend WI. She was also a member of the West Bend Country Club and was an avid golfer. Char was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Those Charlene leaves behind to cherish her memories, include twin daughters Jill (Frank) Weis, Joy (Bryan) Breese-Holz and son Joel (Barb) Zarling. Her grandchildren include granddaughters Rachel Breese and Lauren Carlson, grandsons Andy and Jack Breese and Adam and Zach Weis, along with 14 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Bob Zarling and six siblings, including her twin brother Charles Erickson.
Charlene will be deeply missed by her family, but we know she is at peace reuniting with the love of her life, Bob.
Funeral services for Charlene will be on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church (809 S Sixth Ave, West Bend WI, 53095) at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 809 South 6th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095.
