Obituary of Charlene Elizabeth Johnson

A warm and loving woman, Charlene Elizabeth Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on November 25, 1946, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Charlene was the daughter of the late William and Mildred (Wagner) Kahl.

Always proud of her “Lancaster Dutch” roots, Charlene graduated from McCaskey High School in Lancaster, PA. In her early years, she enjoyed bowling and earned the distinction of Pennsylvania State bowling champion at the age of 18 in 1964. In her later years, she grew to love ballroom dancing and earned many awards for her amazing wardrobes and performances.

Never missing a sporting event or band competition that her boys were in, Charlene loved her family passionately, stopping at nothing to be sure everyone was cared for. A fiery spirit who loved those close to her with all her heart, she was at her happiest spending time with her kids and her precious grandchildren.  When taking time for herself, Charlene found great joy in the simple pleasures of life— loving her home, tending to her plants, caring for animals, loving the outdoors, riding roller coasters and mastering the art of belly dancing. 

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Tony Johnson; her parents; and her brother, William. Charlene leaves behind a legacy of love through her four children: Dan and his wife Lori, Kevin and his wife Sarah, Donna and Dena. Her memory will also live on in the hearts of her eleven grandchildren: Ryan, Ethan, Luke, Allyson, Reagan, Madden, Zach, Alex, Shane, Brendan, and Gavin. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU

Online condolences and the full obituary may be found at www.sgsfuneralhome.com. All arrangements are being handled by Shalkop, Grace & Strunk Funeral Home.