Charlene Jeanette (Gordon) Cutsforth, 92, of Rosewood Estate, died Friday, November 20, 2020 at 2:30pm at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home surrounded by loved ones.
Charlene was born April 21, 1928, at her parents’ home in Jerico, Iowa, daughter of Edward and Anna (Otteson) Gordon. She married LaVerne Eugene Cutsforth in Cedar Falls, May 16, 1949. They were happily married for 66 years until his death in 2015.
A 1946 graduate of New Hampton High School, Charlene worked at Rath Packing Company before joining the Waterloo Community School District (WCSD) as a paraeducator. She was also the secretary to the Waterloo district administrator for many years before retiring. Even after retirement, Charlene continued her time with WCSD by volunteering in classrooms throughout the community. She was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, being a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher and faithfully served at community meals. Earlier in life, she volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother and was known for making gourmet wedding cakes for family and friends.
Charlene adored spending time with family. She graciously passed down her Norwegian traditions such as lefse making and rosemaling, many crafts, abundant hobbies, poetry, and family stories. As a devout believer in Jesus, Charlene loved singing and sharing with others, old hymns and songs. Her steadfast advice to loved ones remains to be, “Continue in your faith and keep Christ first in your life”. Charlene’s family and friends will miss her infectious smile, quiet demeanor, and gentle soul.
Charlene is survived by four sons, Steven (Marcia), Michael (Lynette), and Jeffery, all of Waterloo, and Kevin (Norma) of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren, Nicole (Jeremy) Reese, Allison (Erik Hegtvedt) Cutsforth, Kerry (Kristy) Cutsforth, Keenan (Sarah) Cutsforth, Kevin (Sarah) Cutsforth, Dylan Cutsforth, April (Sheldon) Klein and Lindsey (Chris) Orueta; 14 great-grandchildren, Parker Chamberlin, Nolan, Brooks, and Kolby Reese; Brooklyn Hegtvedt; Natalie and Andrew Cutsforth; Finnegan Cutsforth; Elijah, Hayden, and Anna Klein; Olivia, Cecelia, and Giada Orueta; and a brother, Merle (Ann) Gordon of Tennessee.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband LaVerne, and six siblings: John (Ester) Gordon, Edward (Hanna) Gordon, Thelma (James) Wignall, Stella (John) Alexander, Ruth (Charles) Duncan, and James (Peggy) Gordon.