FITCHBURG - Charlene Ann Tranmal (nee Lunde), age 85, passed away peacefully at Oakwood Prairie Ridge on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Charlene was born on Dec. 18, 1938, in Stoughton, Wis., to Alexander and Emelyn (Clark) Lunde. She grew up in Stoughton on both the family farm and in town. In 1956, she graduated from Stoughton High School. She attended UW- Stout for a year prior to starting at the Methodist School of Nursing as she was too young to enroll right after graduating high school. Charlene graduated in 1960 and worked at Methodist Hospital while teaching courses for the nursing school.

On Oct. 3, 1964, she married the love of her life, George Tranmal at First Lutheran Church in Stoughton. The two embarked on their life together in Des Plaines, Ill. Charlene went to work for a nursing home in Des Plaines beginning her nursing career in geriatrics. In 1966, George and Charlene moved to Williams Bay, Wis., taking a leap of faith to buy Sherwood Rest Home and beginning what would be the next 21 years (24/7) of their lives as nursing home owners/administrators. In 1984, a new facility was completed next to the original, renamed Williams Bay Care Center. Charlene and George worked side by side as administrators with Charlene as the Director of Nursing as needed. While running the nursing home Charlene was also involved with the women’s club, events at the school (including picture lady) and always having an extra seat at the table ready for anyone who stopped by at mealtime.

In November of 1987, George and Charlene retired from the nursing home business to enjoy life. They traveled to the Panama Canal, Alaska, and Scandinavian countries. Charlene remained retired for a few years but ended up going to work as the nurse at the Fontana Spa within the Abbey. There she worked with many visitors to ensure safe treatments and enjoyed being the volunteer testing new treatments offered at the spa. In 2003, George and Charlene moved to Fitchburg bringing them back to the Madison area.

George and Charlene were fortunate to have two children, Kristen (Bill Marten) of Fitchburg and Eric (Anna Bierer) of Milwaukee. In addition, she was blessed with her adored grandchildren, Naia, Verlie Mae and Harlan. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents and several relatives. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, cousins, and family.

Services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

The family would like to thank the Oakwood Prairie Ridge memory care team and Agrace HospiceCare for their kind professional care over the years. Memorials can be made to the Agrace HospiceCare or the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Charlene Ann Tranmal

December 18, 1938 - May 23, 2024

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