Charlene M. (Spartz) Meshnik
Charlene, 90, passed away gracefully the morning of February 1, 2022, at The Springs Assisted Living in Butte, MT from complications of Covid19 and Parkinson’s disease. Charlene was born to Raymond and Beatrice Spartz on November 20th, (her Mother’s birthday) 1931, in Great Falls, Montana.
Raised on a farm on the Greenfield Bench, Charlene attended Greenfield Grade School and graduated from Fairfield High School. In 1953 she graduated from Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls, MT. Her Registered Nursing career began at the State Tuberculosis Sanitarium at Galen, where Charlene was urged by co-workers “to meet the handsome butcher, Johnny Meshnik”…they were married June, 26, 1954.
Charlene and John built their home on John’s family farm in Opportunity and raised five children. As the family grew, Charlene returned to nursing at St. Anne’s Hospital and retired from the Community Hospital of Anaconda.
It was not uncommon for Charlene’s children to be approached by former patients who commented, “I was so relieved when I heard your Mom was on shift, I knew I was going to have a good night.” “Your Mom took such good care of me.”
Caring for others was inherent in Mom. At an early age, during the Great Depression, she once returned home with an empty bread sack after handing out the family’s bread to neighborhood children.
She had an undaunted Spirit and enjoyed adventure, reading and traveling. Pregnancy never stopped Mom from enjoying a jaunt to American or French Creek for a jag of wood or even a family hike to the slopes of Mount Hagan. Her travel highlights included Denmark, Alaska, Oregon, Mexico, and France.
Charlene was selfless and guided by her faith in God. She had many unconventional experiences bravely helping those in need. She will be remembered for making holidays extra special (sugar eggs with miniature Easter scenes inside), creative birthday cakes, banana chocolate chip cookies, Kolaches and her fabulous pies.
In later years Parkinson’s interfered with her physical abilities and some days even took away her voice, but it never took away her sense of humor.
Charlene is preceded in death by her parents and husband; Brother Mike Spartz; in-laws Jacob and Mary Meschnik, Tillie (John) Phillip, Liz (Jack) Caldwell, Mary Grinde, Don Grinde and great grandchild Trey Meyer.
Survivors include children: John Meshnik (Patti), Patrice Hoolahan, Cathlene Meshnik, Bobbi Blow (Jim), Joleen Meshnik (Tim); Brother, Fred Spartz, Sister, Dolores Schrock (Gene). Numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Grandchildren: Kendra, Haley, Paul, and Greg (Anna) Meshnik; Nicole (Karl) Nusshag and Stephanie (Ben) Meyer; Seamus Hoolahan; Jimmy and Jessica Blow.
Great Grandchildren: Khloe, Kaily, Jane, Jesse, Ryder and Devin.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 27th, 10:30 am, Holy Family Parish (Fr. Dougald McCallum) Anaconda, MT. A luncheon to follow.
On Sunday, May 29th the family will attend 11am Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church (Fr. Yovin Shayo) Fairfield, MT (which Charlene’s father helped build and where the couple married). Charlene and John’s cremains will then be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Fairfield, MT.
Suggested donations in Charlene’s memory: The Metcalf Senior Center Meals on Wheels; Butte Family YMCA; Parkinson’s Voice Project; or Montana Talking Book Library. Condolences to: P.O. Box 4927, Butte, MT 59702.
Much appreciation to the staff of The Springs Senior Living for their care and kindness.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Charlene.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Charlene and her family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 27, 2022
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, MT 59711
Luncheon
Following Funeral Mass
Friday May 27, 2022
Hunthausen Center of Holy Family Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anconda, MT 59711
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 27, 2022
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, MT 59711
Luncheon
Following Funeral Mass
Friday May 27, 2022
Hunthausen Center of Holy Family Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anconda, MT 59711
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Sr. Sue says
Sending my sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sr. Sue Klein, OP (formerly of St. Peter’s School and Anaconda Catholic Community)
Jack and Sue Phillip says
To our cousins, the son and daughters of Aunt Charlene,
We send our condolences to all of you on the death of our wonderful Aunt Charlene. You have been blessed with a gentle and loving mother who has always cared and nurtured all of her family. Sue and I are so happy that we were able to see Patrice, Bobbi and Charlene during the nursing home’s unique “Prom” celebration in early October. Charlene was at the top of her joy and happiness. What a memorable and treasured visit!
Uncle Bud has been by himself for some time now and we know he is likely at the edge of God’s loving patience. Charlene will now be able to guide and care for her favorite patient for the rest of eternity.
As sad as it has been to lose Aunt Charlene, we know she is receiving her final reward for living a beautiful life on our earth. May all of the Meshnik family take up the honor and challenge of living the amazing and unique examples provided by Uncle Bud and Aunt Charlene. All of “you” get to carry that torch now.
Jack and Sue Phillip
Linda Lee Holmes says
Bobbi and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a empty space this leaves in someone’s life. Keeping you all in my thoughts and sending comforting wishes.
Linda Lee Holmes
Connie Caldwell says
My Aunt Char was one of the sweetest women I knew, quick with a hug and open arms, pure heart. I will miss her and her welcoming warm smile.
Kimberly Clark says
Hi guys! Love in many buckets being cyber mailed to all the family around US. What a gal and what a pal. I’m so blessed to have become an extension of the family and to have received the love and attention from Charlene for so long. Cathy and I are planning a Michigan celebration to honor her locally. Thank you all for the tender loving care you provided in many a difficult time. What a trouper she was and Bobby your patience is has not gone unnoticed transporting her here to Michigan so many times. All is well. I love my adopted sisters💖 and bro. Big kisses and thank you from Cathy and myself. -Kimberly Clark
Naomi Sullivan says
I will always remember your mother as a very kind and gentle nurse during the many nights we worked together. I remember our talks in the middle of the night about our families and how much she cared for you. You had a loving mother for so many years and you need to remember the lessons she taught you about life. Take care and know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort. Naomi Sullivan
Jo Ann Jones says
Patrice,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jo Ann Jones