Charlene Dour

Vera Charlene Dour, 85, of Beardstown, died Monday, November 10, 2025, at Beardstown Health and Rehab.

She was born May 28, 1940, in Beardstown, the daughter of Charles and Theda Regene Lee Piehler. She married Kenneth Wayne "Kenny" Dour on June 14, 1957, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death on May 27, 2022.

She is survived by two sons, Michael Wayne (wife Phyllis) Dour of Beardstown and Brian Lee (wife Lori) Dour of rural Virginia; five grandchildren, Chris Dour, Stephanie (husband George) Brown, Rick Dour (companion Liz Walker), Olivia Dour (fiancé Ryan Orr), and Alyssa Dour (companion Kyler Miller); four great-grandchildren, Jackson Dour, Maryn Dour, Georgia Brown, and Kellen Brown; two sisters, Suzanne Gregory of California and Julie Campos of California; her brother, Charles Piehler of Rushville (and his late wife Jean); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Chris Allen Dour, a brother David Piehler, and a sister Dianna Nelson.

Charlene graduated from Beardstown High School in 1958 and was voted most athletic in her class. She was a baptized and confirmed member of St. John's Lutheran Church and worked as a secretary for the Beardstown School District for 34 years, retiring at the age of 70.

In her younger years, Charlene enjoyed bowling, competing on many teams and in many leagues. She loved tending to her large garden, canning a variety of foods, and was especially known for her delicious sweet pickles. She was a second mom to many. Her home was filled with friends, laughter, food, and fun. Her greatest joy was her family-beginning with her sons, following Brian's baseball career, and later supporting her grandchildren in their many activities. She enjoyed every road trip, even driving cross-country with friends to catch a ball game and happily riding in the back of a pickup truck along the way.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday November 14, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Burial will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church or Beardstown TAC. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.