Charlene L. Harris, age 98, died Friday, February 6, 2026 at Parkview Care Center in Wells, MN. A memorial service will be held 11:00am, Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service (10:00-11:00 am). Pastor Deborah Lyanga will be officiating and burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.
Charlene Lillian was born September 27, 1927, the only child of Charles Jr. and Ina (Nelson) Gaines in Wells. She grew up in Wells and attended school at the one-room schoolhouse off Hwy 109 before graduating from Wells High School in 1945. She attended Mankato State Teachers College and majored in business. Charlene loved dancing; while out dancing at the Pines Ballroom she met Ray Harris who also loved to dance. Ray and Charlene were married August 14, 1949 in Wells at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and to this union two children were born.
Charlene worked at Peoples State Bank and later at Wells Federal Bank. After retirement, she worked part-time at Dick’s Flower Store in Wells. In her free time, she liked to go on walks and bike rides around town, as well as going to the drug store with her friends for coffee and good conversation. Charlene and Ray enjoyed dancing together and taking the kids out boating.
Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Ray; her parents; granddaughter, Jennifer Chirpich; parents-in-law; and her siblings-in-law.
Charlene is survived by her children: Pat (Gene) Chirpich and Robert Harris; 4 grandchildren: Cassie (Richard) Brandenburg, Jeremiah (Jeff) Harris, Josh (Rose) Chirpich and Naomi (Luke) Harvey; 3 great-granddaughters: McKayla Mithun, Presley Brandenburg and Belle Harvey.
Loved working with her at Dicks Flower Service. We have many fun memories of her song Charlene in John Deere green. Rest in peace sweet lady.
I’m sure going to miss Char she was such a nice lady and I am so sorry for your family’s loss thinking of you all!
Charlene and I got to be really good friends when she was a resident at Shepherds Inn. We shared a love for black jelly beans and good conversation. I did get to
Visit with her when she moved to Parkview. She will always have a special place in my heart. Gonna miss you Char
So sorry for your loss. Charlene is a very special lady. Hugs and prayers to you all.
I enjoyed working with Charlene at Wells Federal for many years. She usually had a smile on her face no matter how stressful the day may have been. And I will always remember her singing “Oh give me a home…..” Rest in peace Charlene.
Oh Char! You lived with enthusiasm, laughed easily, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who she was. She had strong opinions, a generous heart, and a playful spirit that made people feel instantly at ease. Watching the Minnesota Twins was more than a pastime—it was a tradition, a loyalty, and sometimes a test of patience she met with humor and grit. You will be missed. Thank you for the honor of caring for you. You’re all in my prayers for comfort
Charlene was a longtime friend. I haven’t seen her lately but will always remember the hugs we shared when we met.
I’m sorry for your loss and know that she will be missed by all who knew her
Charlene was a longtime friend who was always ready to greet me with a smile. I will always remember the huge we shared when we saw each other. She will be missed by many.
So sorry for your loss. She was quite the gal. She put a spark in the lives of so many. Sending prayers of comfort and healing to her families. Rest in peace Char.
So sorry for your loss. A wonderful lady with a great smile. She will be missed by many.
My deepest sympathy.
Sympathies to Charlene’s family. She was so nice to have worked with at Wells Federal. I have pictures of my mother and Charlene together when they were childhood friends.