BOONE, Iowa—Charlene Adele Nystrom, 96 years old, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Mary Greeley Medical Center after a brief illness and a long full life. A visitation will be held for her on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral home (609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa.) A private family burial of her cremains will be at Linwood Park Cemetery.
Charlene was born on December 1, 1927, to Charles & Grace (Engler) Jennings in Boone, Iowa. She graduated from Boone High School in 1946.
Two weeks after graduating from high school, she boarded a train for Omaha, Nebraska, to start nursing school at St. Joseph School of Nursing (now Creighton University) and graduated with her Registered Nursing degree in 1949. Charlene (A.K.A. Jenny) was united in marriage for 68 years to L. Dean Nystrom on May 7, 1949, in Audubon, IA, and they were blessed with six children (although she really wanted 12 children.) Over the years, Charlene (A.K.A. Grandma Jenny to many) welcomed 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and one on the way in March.
While raising six children with Deano, Charlene worked full-time at the Boone County Hospital as a registered nurse for 36 years. Holding positions as a night supervisor, head nurse on 3 East, and in OB, where she helped many Boone area women through their labor and deliveries. Nursing was a passion of Charlene’s since she was in the second grade, and she would tell anyone who would listen that she was proud to be a nurse. She also loved sharing stories about her family and loved to visit with anyone who had the time to listen.
Family always came first for Jenny and Deano. Family camping trips were the highlight of summer vacations, as was attending athletic and school events of their children and grandchildren. After retiring, Jenny and Deano had weekly dates to Des Moines for shopping trips and lunch together. They also enjoyed many yearly trips to Hawaii to escape the cold winter months in Iowa.
Charlene was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Boone and served as a Deacon and with Presbyterian Women’s Church Circle. She was also proud to be a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Polk City Chapter since high school. When Charlene wasn’t busy raising six children and nursing, she was also involved in ABWA, Cub Scout leadership, school PTA, Sunday school teaching, P.E.O. NO Chapter, Questers and Daughters of the American Revolution De Shon Chapter.
Charlene’s love of music started at an early age, dancing and playing the piano and violin. All of her life she always had a song in her heart and could often be heard singing in the halls of the Eastern Star Masonic Home, where she lived for the past six years.
Charlene is survived by her daughters, Susan Nystrom (Tom Inman) of Johnston, IA, and Paula (Dan) Goldsworth of Boone, IA; sons, Curt (Lori) Nystrom and Jerry (Melanie) Nystrom of Boone, IA; and daughters-in-law, Pam Nystrom and Veronica Nystrom of Boone, IA. Eleven grandchildren: Emilee Nystrom (Zebadiah Lueders) of Boone, IA, Kris (Katie) Nystrom of Boone, IA, Scott (Jennifer) Nystrom of Waukee, IA, Jordan (Shalyn) of Polk City, IA, Nick (BriAnna) Nystrom of Waukee, IA, Brian (Taylor) Nystrom of Duluth, MN, Marci (Toby) Smith of Boone, IA, Jenny (Cody) Warrick of Boone, IA, Sarah (Charlie) Eastlund of Boone, IA, Taylor Nystrom of Nashville, TN and Connor Nystrom of Ankeny, IA. Great-grandchildren: Lily and Neely Ferguson, Brogan Wood, Jack, Brody and Grace Warrick, Tommy, Willy, Elin and Johnny Eastlund, Lincoln Nystrom (and a one on the way), Karsyn, Aspyn and Easton Smith. And Brother-in-Law, Don (Evelyn) Nystrom of Ames, IA.
Charlene is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, L. Dean Nystrom; two sons, Marck J. Nystrom and Cristofer S. Nystrom; mother, Grace (Robbie) Rowland; Father, Charles Jennings; Stepmother, Thelma (Jennings) Hicks; Father-in-Law, Edgar Nystrom, and Mother-in-Law, Martha (Lloyd) Olsen; and great-granddaughter, Lucy Ferguson.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Boone, IA (703 Greene Street, Boone, IA).
Online condolences and thoughtful memories of Charlene may be shared on Charlene’s page at: http://www.schroederfuneral.com
