Charlene's Obituary
Charlene Karen Schottey passed away surrounded by her loved ones at Peace Hospice on April 7, 2024. She was born in Great Falls, MT on July 23, 1943. Charlene is survived by her children, Kristen (Kevin) Jacobsen of Great Falls, and Kevin Schottey of Missoula; grandchildren, Reilly Jacobsen and Molly (Collin) Whitesitt of Great Falls, Katy Koenig of San Diego, and Jasper Schottey of Missoula; sisters, Loretta Walker of Great Falls, Susan (Gary) Gruenert of Bellingham, WA, and Cindy (Chuck) Patterson of Rapid City, SD; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Leota (Zier) Rickman; husband, Richard Schottey; daughter, Karen Koenig; and nephew, Matthew Gruenert.
Charlene grew up in Great Falls as the oldest of four sisters in the home that her dad built. At a young age, Charlene participated in 4-H, winning many sewing awards, and Girl Scouts. She loved going camping and traveling to Arkansas on family trips. She attended Largent and Longfellow Elementary Schools, Paris Gibson Junior High and Great Falls High School, graduating in 1961. She was a member of the GFH bowling team and the Usherettes. After graduation, Char attended Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO where she attained her Registered Nursing license and met many life-long friends. During her breaks, she would attend dances at the Demolay, where she met Richard Schottey. They were married at Peace Lutheran Church in 1964, and lived in St. Louis, MO for 5 years before moving back to Great Falls in 1969.
Charlene worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 50 years at Lutheran Hospital in St. Louis, Columbus Hospital, and then for Benefis Health System. She helped deliver thousands of babies over several generations throughout her career. She took pride in her work and was renowned as a mentor for new nurses. She was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church, being one of the youngest confirmed members of the new church. She was involved in the church community as a member of the Walther League, the choir, quilting group, and TOPS group and as well as serving the funeral lunches. Charlene enjoyed needlework, quilting, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and cooking big family dinners. After retiring, she liked going to coffee and lunches with her friends and classmates. She also loved planning trips and traveling with her sisters - notably her trips to Australia and Ireland.
There will be a service at Peace Lutheran Church on April 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Reception and burial to follow at Manchester Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. In order to commemorate the life of a dedicated nurse, her family is creating a scholarship for young students pursuing nursing degrees. Donations can be made to the Great Falls Education Foundation, Charlene Schottey Memorial.
