Charlene McGrew

Charlene McGrew, 85, of Marshalltown and Naples, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Moorings Park, her retirement community in Naples, FL.

Born September 4, 1940, in Marshalltown to Gilbert and Wanda (Groff) Chinn, Charlene graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1957 and from the Evangelical School of Nursing in 1962, earning her Registered Nurse degree with honors. Nursing was her lifelong calling.

She married Monte Knudson in 1958, and they welcomed two daughters, Kelly and Ann. She later married Roger McGrew in 1976 and embraced his daughters, Janet, Sherry, and Linda, as her own.

Charlene’s distinguished nursing career began at the University of Iowa Children’s Handicapped Hospital and Psychopathic Hospital. After time in El Cajon, California, where she worked as a surgical nurse, she returned to Iowa and devoted nearly 30 years to the Iowa Veterans Home, serving as Staff Nurse, Nurse Educator, Associate Director, and ultimately Director of Nursing.

While working full time, she earned both her B.S. in Health Arts and M.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of St. Francis, graduating with honors. She also received the American Nurses’ Association Gerontological Certification for Excellence in Nursing. A respected leader, she conducted research, published, and lectured on patient welfare and innovative nursing practices.

After suffering a massive stroke in 1996, Charlene met the challenge with determination. Through perseverance she regained mobility, continued to travel, and enjoyed community life—church activities, games with friends, and occasionally country line dancing. She and Roger spent winters in Naples, and she made her home there permanently after his passing in 2013.

Smart, spunky, and quick to laugh, Charlene was a natural leader—affectionately called “the Little General” by her daughters. She helped found Luke’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown and wrote monthly health articles well into her eighties. She also held numerous professional leadership roles and, at the time of her death, served as President of the Residents’ Association at Moorings Park.

Above all, Charlene cherished her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger McGrew, and stepdaughter Sherry Runge. She is survived by her daughters Kelly (Dale) Renner and Ann (Greg) Carlson; stepdaughters Janet Fienup and Linda (Ron) Kauffman; her sister Lynda Patty; her niece Kristen (Jay) Durand; her grandchildren Dan (Katie) Renner, Lissa (Chris) Curtin, Jack Renner, Mitch (Kelsey) Carlson, Chad Carlson, Keely (Joel) Rees, Paul (Ashley) Fienup, Grant (Andreaya) Runge, Meghan (Austin) Runge-Ross, Sydney Runge, Felicia Kauffman, and Caroline Kauffman; her great-grandchildren Devereaux Renner; Madison and Carter Curtin; Morgan, Luke, Simon, and Leah Rees; Banks Fienup; Emberlynne, Isla, Lilian, and James Runge.

Her family was her greatest joy, and her strength, wit, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9th at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with visitation at 9:30 am and a service at 10:30 am.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Charlene’s name to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 334105.