Charlene Ann Ollerman

Charlene Ann Ollerman (Wenzler) passed away peacefully in the company of her children on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the age of 92.

The eldest child of Joseph and Rosella (Wagner) Wenzler, Charlene was born on Sept. 2, 1930.

Together with her younger sister, Dolores (Supple), and their younger brother, Joseph, Jr., they washed cars, cleaned windshields, and sold candy at their father’s gas station on the corner of Scott St. and Main St. in Fond du Lac. Charlene eventually advanced to doing the bookkeeping for the station.

Charlene graduated from St. Mary’s Springs High School in 1948, and not long thereafter began dating Robert (Bob) Ollerman, who she married on Aug. 4, 1951.

Charlene and Bob welcomed a daughter, Debra (Martin), in 1952, and a son, Robert, Jr., in 1956.

The couple was a fixture on the local and state bowling scene, with many early nights spent at the Alhambra and The Spa. Charlene was an accomplished bowler with many high games and 600 series over the years. While Bob held titles such as secretary and president at various levels, everyone knew Charlene did most of the real work to support him in these roles. As Bob said at his Wisconsin State Bowling Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in 1994, “I would not be standing here tonight if not for her. She has been the backbone behind my being here.”

As her children grew and had children of their own, Charlene transitioned into the role of grandmother for four beloved grandchildren: Bob and Kalee Wothe, and Sara and Emma Ollerman. She provided a cherished support system for her grandchildren, all while her and her husband Bob did their usual morning errands, including a stop at her son Bob and daughter-in-law Linda’s UPS Store, where employees looked forward to her daily visits.

After her husband’s death in September 2013, Charlene continued to stay busy. She bowled until her mid-80s, played cards with friends, went out to eat with fellow retirees, and even still filled the role of caretaker from time to time – now for her great-grandchildren, Clara and John Wothe.

In her final years as her health waned, those she took care of all those years had the occasion to return the favor. As COVID hit and Charlene was stuck at home, her granddaughter-in-law, Candeth Wothe, spent many hours with her, often helping with puzzles that Charlene otherwise would claim she was stuck on.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother-in-law, John Supple. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Martin, and her husband, Rick, of Fond du Lac; her son, Robert Ollerman, Jr., and his wife, Linda, of Oshkosh; her grandchildren, Sara Ollerman of McFarland, Emma Ollerman of Madison, Kalee Wothe and her husband, Matthew Grabau, of Eagan, Minn., and Bob Wothe and his wife, Candeth, of Fond du Lac; and two great-grandchildren, Clara and John Wothe.

She is further survived by her sister, Dolores Supple of Oshkosh, and her brother and his wife, Joe and Ann Wenzler of Mequon, as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac. Visitation will be followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of The Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Aurora Hospice and Oakwood Manor of Oshkosh for their care in Charlene’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac are appreciated.