Home-going of Charleen Thompson

Charleen Thompson, 89, of Freeport went home to be with her Lord surrounded by loving family on April 20th, 2017.  She was born in Hastings December 17, 1927 to Clarence & Doris (Hayward) Cappon.

Charleen graduated from Hastings High School in 1945. She started her first job in the office at Consumers Power Company while still a senior in high school and continued there until 1949. Charleen married Kenneth Thompson on May 25, 1947.

An accomplished bookkeeper, Charleen managed the finances for Ken’s family farm, while also working as an office manager, accountant & secretary for Chenoweth Machine Company in Hastings from 1955-1971.  The company was sold to Ketchum Machine Company and relocated to Freeport, where she worked from 1971-82.

Charleen lived a life of service to her church and her community. She served on committees in her local congregation, Hope Church of the Brethren, and on the Michigan District Board. She was a co-leader for the annual Citizenship Seminar to Wash. D.C. for several years. As a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau, she went to Washington D.C. to promote agriculture policy and served on the state Policy Development Committee. She chaired the Women’s Committee of Ionia County Farm Bureau, and served on the County Board of Directors and the State F.B. Women's Committee (1979-85). She eventually became District IV Director of the Mich. F.B. Board (86-88).  

Together, Charleen and Ken were involved with Habitat for Humanity on a local and national level. In addition to volunteering, Charleen enjoyed antiquing, knitting, quilting, caning, baking, reading novels, camping and traveling.  

Charleen and Ken traveled with their motor home for many years and made friends from all over the country. The couple spent the winter months in Florida or Texas for 25 years. The couple’s home in Freeport--and their home on wheels--were always open for gatherings for family and friends.

Charleen was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Sean Wilcox, sister-in law Connie Cappon, special family friend Pam Burson, in laws Floyd & Mabel Thompson, sister-in law Evelyn (Thompson) Walton in addition to other family members and friends.  She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years, brother Ron Cappon, children Dianne Thompson (Ann Fiorini), Donna (Lee) Wilcox, Lynette (Wayne) Guyer, Brian (Carole Stowell) Thompson, Melanie Basler, 5 grandchildren, one great grandchild and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews & friends.  

Comment: Charleen was my 1st cousin, once removed. Photo above: Ken and Charlene and two of my 2nd cousins, and one 2nd cousin once removed. Charleen was like an Aunt to me.