Charlene Martha McLaughlin

Mrs. Charlene Martha McLaughlin, age 97, of Audubon, IA, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, IA.

Charlene Martha (Yost) McLaughlin, daughter of Sewell and Nettie Yost, was born in her maternal grandmother's home in Russell, Iowa, on May 6, 1928. Her family moved to Audubon, Iowa, when she was 6 months old. Charlene was baptized and later became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Audubon.

Charlene loved going to school. She started kindergarten in Audubon and attended there until third grade. She continued her education at Viola Consolidated Schools through 7th grade. During the 7th and 8th grades, she attended country school at Leroy Township #1 in Audubon County, where she was the only one in her class. Then it was back to friends in Audubon High School, and Charlene graduated in 1946 as the class Valedictorian of 55 students. After graduation, Charlene worked for two years as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Audubon.

In June of 1946, Charlene became engaged to Harold McLaughlin. Harold and Charlene were married on September 18, 1946, at Wesley Methodist Church Chapel in Des Moines. Harold and Charlene lived and farmed in Lincoln Township in Audubon County until 1990 when they moved to their retirement home on East Broadway in Audubon. Harold and Charlene were married for 66 years. They are the parents of five children: Michael, David, Mary, Connie, and Mark. Charlene was a very busy farmwife and mother. She also acted as Harold's "at - home" secretary, hostess for business parties, and traveling companion from 1967-1989 when Harold served as a district manager for Archer Petroleum Company. Charlene volunteered for the Caring and Sharing Program for many years. She became a resident of the Friendship Home in Audubon in October of 2013.

Charlene was preceded in death by Harold “Kid” McLaughlin.

Charlene is survived by her children: Mike (Cindy) McLaughlin, Dave (Donna) McLaughlin, Mary (Greg) Lamka, Connie Nihsen, Mark (Teresa) McLaughlin; her 13 grandchildren; her 26 great-grandchildren; sister Karen Kardell; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many beloved friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Audubon, IA, with Rev. Carla Evers officiating the service. Interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will be held following the interment in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Sunday, August 3, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be directed to the McLaughlin Family. They will be designated at a later date in memory of Charlene, and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.