Charlene Whipple Obituary

Charlene Whipple, 76 of Montezuma passed away Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Graveside funeral services will begin at 12:00 pm Monday, February 23, 2026 at the White Oak Cemetery in Pickering, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026 the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Memorial contributions may be made to the Montezuma Fire Department and may be sent to the Holland-Coble Funeral Home; In Care Of Charlene Whipple; P.O. Box 727; Montezuma, Iowa 50171. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of the arrangements.

Charlene Louise Whipple, daughter of Earl and Maxine Florea Whipple, was born on May 13, 1949, in Maryville, Missouri. She attended country school and graduated from North Nodaway High School in Hopkins, Missouri. After graduation, she married and moved to Montezuma, where she began working at De Long’s in Grinnell. She also spent several years babysitting in Montezuma before working at Grinnell Mutual. Charlene was the devoted mother of her two daughters, Marlene and Marilee, who were truly the center of her world. Her love for them was boundless, and she took pride in every step of their journey.

After her first marriage, Charlene found her life partner, Kent Harpman, and together they built a loving life in Montezuma. They shared a special joy in dancing and horseback riding, and their years together were filled with companionship and fun. Charlene later worked at GTE/Verizon in Grinnell in the Fraud Department, where she remained until her retirement.

After retiring, Charlene cherished time spent with family, especially attending every sporting event for her three grandsons. Being present, cheering them on, and sharing in their accomplishments brought her immense happiness. She was also beyond excited for the upcoming arrival of her first great grandchild, baby Johnson, expected in April, eagerly looking forward to embracing a new generation of love. Charlene also held a treasured friendship with her best friend/cousin Peggy, with whom she shared her greatest laughs, lighthearted silliness, and countless joyful memories.

Charlene greatly loved the Old Threshers Reunion, valuing not only the event itself but the traditions, family time, and sense of togetherness that came with it each year. She also enjoyed camping, swimming (especially in Palm Springs) and trips to California to visit her daughter, Marilee. She was a member of the former Jayceettes, the Lockridge Saddle Club, and the Montezuma Methodist Church. Above all, Charlene loved her family deeply and was dedicated to them.

Charlene is survived by her daughters, Marlene (Eric) Johnson of Grinnell and Marilee Albin of Los Angeles, California; her grandsons, Parker (Olivia) Johnson, Cole Johnson, Kinnick Johnson, and baby Johnson expected in April; her siblings, Donald (Elda) Whipple of Platte City, MO, Carroll Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, and Robert (Dagmar) Whipple of Pickering, MO, as well as many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her life partner, Kent Harpman.