Charlene Ann (Bohachek) Crabb, born in 1938 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away on 12 January, 2026. She was the eldest child of Helen and Charles Bohachek, growing up with her brother, Allan, and sisters, Judy and Donna. From an early age, Charlene’s determination and compassion set her apart, guiding her toward a lifelong career in nursing. 

Charlene (Char) pursued her calling at the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin. She dedicated her career to public health, focusing on helping people help themselves. She opened Waukesha County’s first clinic to treat sexually transmitted diseases and eventually led Wisconsin’s efforts to combat AIDS in Milwaukee, earning recognition for her work in 2001. 

In 1959, Char married Eugene (Gene) Crabb at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Together they built a life in Brookfield, Wisconsin, raising four sons: Tom, Bill, Mike, and Jim. Their marriage lasted 51 years until Gene’s passing in 2013, and their bond served as a model of love, laughter, and resilience. Char’s sons credit their parents with creating a joyful home that fostered strong family ties, a gift that continues across generations. 

Char cherished summers at Sand Bay in Door County, WI, where boating, waterskiing, and cottage life created lasting memories. She loved cooking and baking in the Bohemian tradition, with poppyseed cake as a family favorite. She passed on her love of the kitchen to her sons, and also enjoyed her talents in singing, knitting, embroidery, and furniture restoration. Her terrier mix, Mitzi, chihuahua-poodle mix, Pedro, and German shepherd, Duchess, were beloved parts of the family’s adventures.

Char was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Bohackek; her husband, Gene; sister, Judy; brother, Allan; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Mary Ann Crabb. Char is survived by her sister, Donna (Ed) Bubert; brother-in-law, Kent Herold; sister-in-law, Priscilla Bohackek (nee Moore); four sons and their spouses, Tom and Jackie (nee Little), Bill and Jeannine (nee Rice), Mike and Judy (nee Melk), Jim and Catherine (nee Olson); ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. 

Char leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humor, and devotion to family. Her life was a testament to the power of service, laughter, and love, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be March 7th at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 18000 W. Greenfield Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53045. Visitation begins at 9:30AM, service at 11:00AM, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.