Ilene Karen Church

September 3, 1942 — September 27, 2019

Funeral services for Ilene Church, 77, of Chariton will be Monday, September 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Following the service burial will be at the Chariton Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the First Baptist Church or to the Lucas County Genealogical Society. Ilene Karen Church was born on September 3, 1942, at Yocom Hospital in Chariton, IA to Arlene Burley Stewart and R. F. (Buster) Stewart. Her parents and older brother, Dwaine, lived on a farm southwest of Chariton in the Freedom Community. Ilene attended country school through 5th grade at Hazel Dell. She then attended Derby Public School and was a member of the last class (1960) to graduate from Derby. Ilene married Larry Church in 1960. A daughter, Chris Ann, was born August 8, 1960 and son, Neil Scott, was born on April 4, 1965. In 1961, Ilene started working as an aide at the Lucas Co. Health Center in Chariton the first day the new hospital opened. This began a 34-year career with LCHC working as an aide, LPN and RN. Ilene graduated from Indian Hills College at Centerville in 1969 with her LPN degree and from DMACC in Ankeny receiving her RN Degree in June, 1982. She worked at Homestead Assisted Living Center part time in her retirement years. Ilene was very community oriented and was a member of the Historical Society, the Chariton Cemetery Board, Board of Public Health, Genealogical Society and First Baptist Church. In 1980, she became a member of the Chariton Eagles Auxiliary. In 2001, she received the Eagles Humanitarian Award for her lifesaving efforts of a child. In 2003, Ilene earned the honor of becoming President of the Iowa State Eagles Auxiliary. She was also a 43 year member of the DAV. She really enjoyed getting together with the "Derby Girls" for lunch, visiting, and going shopping. Ilene always enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school events. She seldom missed coffee time with her friends at Hardees each morning. A favorite hobby was researching family genealogy. In 1998, Ilene endured a tragic loss. Her daughter, Chris Altenhofen, son-in-law Danny Altenhofen and grandson Vinnie Altenhofen died in a car/truck collision. At this time Ilene moved into their home to care for three-year-old Conner. Their lives were forever changed! Due to three strokes, the first one occurring in 2013, and dementia, Ilene's past few years has been very challenging for her. The loss of her ability to communicate well with family and friends was a hardship. Ilene's family believes that Jesus has decided to follow Matthew 11:28. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Ilene passed away September 27, 2019. She is survived by her son, Neil Church; brother, Dwaine (Marge) Stewart; grandchildren: Conner Altenhofen, Marissa Giesken, and Logan Drake; nieces and nephew: Debra (Dale) Linneman; Denise (Steven) Rowan, and David (Heather) Stewart; great nieces: Danielle and Dayna Linneman and Lauren and Megan Stewart; along with many relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; daughter, Chris (Danny) Altenhofen; grandson, Vinnie, and great niece, Deidra. Cemetery Details Chariton Cemetery HWY 14 and HWY 34
Chariton, IA 50049

Visitation

SEP 30. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com

Service

SEP 30. 11:00 AM (CDT)