Charla Ann Werns

Charla Ann Werns

July 05, 1947 - June 08, 2022

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Obituary

STOUGHTON - Charla Ann Werns, age 74, of Stoughton, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at home. She was born on July 5, 1947, in San Diego, Calif., the daughter of Robert E. and Babeta "Betty" Dale Wheeler.


Charla graduated from high school in Florida in 1965. After high school, she used her talents to successfully run several businesses from an automobile shop to the race car registration office for the Sports Car Club of America. Charla’s future husband, Charles “Joe” Werns, served in the U.S. Navy and then U.S. Coast Guard in San Diego. Ironically, they met while they were both volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society.  They were married on June 17, 1989, in San Diego. Charla and Joe enjoyed volunteering at the local animal shelters in every community they lived.


Charla was loving, caring, supportive and freely giving of her time and efforts. She was fiercely dedicated to her family and loved playing miniature golf and board games. Charla loved animals and found her passion working as the assistant to the accountant at the Dane County Humane Society. Her attention to detail led to flawless results in annual IRS audits and her passion to help was responsible for the adoptions of over 100 cats (and a few dogs) who needed months of special care in her office.


Charla’s brave spirit and caring heart led her on a mission to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to lend her assistance with dislocated animals during the disaster. In December 2020, Charla suffered a massive stroke. Through it all, she vowed to never give up and did all she was capable of to recover.


Charla is survived by husband, Joe; daughter, Colleen (Michael) La Count; and two grandchildren, Justin Flesher and Harrison (Camryn Wasman) Flesher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty; and infant daughter, Melody Lynn.


A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. A lunch will immediately follow. Friends and family who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may do so by visiting Charla’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and clicking on the Watch Webcast link at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.


A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare and especially her caretaker, Tracy Storch, who has been Char's guardian angel. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com <http://www.gundersonfh.com>.


Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Hwy 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590


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Charla
J
Joe
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Dearest Charla I love you and I always will. You will be forever in my heart.
DM
Dan and Nancy Miller
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you!
CC
Colleen La Count
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So so many wonderful memories throughout my lifetime thanks to you, Mom. I miss our weekly family dinners and challenging each other to a good game of Aggravation. I will treasure those memories forever in my heart. I love you. ❤️❤️❤️
JJ
Joan Johnson
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I met Charla at DCHS when we were both animal caretakers. She had so much compassion for all the animals. She treated every animal as if they were hers. After a few years she moved into an office to help in accounting. She would walk through the cat area and notice cats that were terrified or not eating. She asked if she could move a cat that needed extra care into her office. She said she would care for the cat and give it a quieter place to feel comfortable and loved. This worked great! When her office cat or cats got adopted she would ask about another cat. She even moved a cat and dog into her office that were best buddies in their previous home, but couldn't be housed together in the shelter. Neither one would eat and they were both depressed. She moved them in and they were both so happy to see the other. They immediately started eating. They went on TV and were adopted together. Charla spoiled her office animals, buying them food they would eat, or a comfy bed if they needed it. She saved so many cats (and one dog) all by sharing her office and her time. The shelter now has about 10 offices that cats can move into. This actually saves hundreds of animals a year. I miss Charla so much and love her dearly!
JB
Joan Byrne
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I was so sorry to hear of Charla's passing. I worked with her at Dane County Humane Society and she was always an advocate for the homeless animals we cared for. She helped SO many shy, stressed kitties to come out of their shell so they could get adopted. She loved all animals, but had a special way with the more difficult-to-adopt ones that spent months living in her office, until they found another home. She was a wonderful caregiver to these animals. Sending warm, healing wishes to Joe and all of Charla's family. Joan Byrne
TS
Tribute Store
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

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