Charlene Joan (Tjenstrom) Peel

Charlene Joan Tjenstrom entered this world May 30, 1953 in Bismarck, North Dakota as the band marched down the street in honor of Memorial Day.  The daughter of Charles and Wanda Tjenstrom, she grew up in Washburn and attended college in Bismarck, where she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Peel, who was attending The University of Mary.  Jeff and Char were married at the Washburn United Methodist Church on September 22, 1973.  They lived and worked in several states, including North Dakota, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Illinois before they retired to Sun City West, Arizona.  They lived in Decatur IL the longest, moving there in 2005 when Jeff went to work for ADM. Char’s enthusiasm for life and her new home were evident from the beginning, and many long-lasting friendships began in Decatur lasting even after their move to Arizona.  Char was very active at the Country Club of Decatur (CCD), where she was an avid golfer and served as President for the 18- and 9-hole Ladies Leagues.  She was also a frequent volunteer for CCD and charity events using her gracious skills at planning and hosting. Char was an active member of PEO, chapter BC, and hosted several chapter events over the years.  Over the years Char was also known as the expert in the kitchen sharing her gift with delighted family and friends.  She was a lifelong member of the Washburn United Methodist Church, Washburn, North Dakota.  Char took her last earthly breath on January 3, 2022.  She leaves behind her husband Jeff, as well as her sisters Carla (Walt Elliott) and Pat (Jerry Elliott), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Valley AZ (hov.org/donate).