Charlene S. Wenger, age 86, passed away leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service, hard work, and deep love for her family.

Born on September 16, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charlene was the daughter of the late Charles and Johanna Slemenda. Pursuing a calling to care for others, she earned her nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Hospital and served as a Registered Nurse from 1961 until her retirement in 1998.

On April 27, 1968, Charlene married the love of her life, Robert K. Wenger. As a military spouse, she embraced the journeys that came with her husband’s service, moving between Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Shalimar (Fort Walton Beach), Florida, over the years before settling and making their home in Franklin, North Carolina. They shared 56 years of marriage until his passing in 2024.

Beyond her professional career, Charlene was a woman of many passions and vibrant interests. She had an enterprising spirit and loved dabbling in real estate and antiques. She enjoyed playing bridge, cross-stitching, cooking, hosting gatherings, and traveling with her husband and family. Above all, her family was the center of her life. Charlene was also a faithful member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Johanna Slemenda, and her beloved husband, Robert K. Wenger.

Charlene is survived by her three children: Lora Booher (Brad) of Wyoming, MI; Janette "Jan" Wenger (Pep) of Franklin, NC; and Robert (Bobby) K. Wenger, Jr., also of Franklin, NC; one brother, Charles Slemenda of Wallace, NC; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Franklin, NC, with Pastor Ben Heise officiating. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charlene's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Arrangements through Macon Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.