Back to Obituaries
Charmaine J. McKinley
Charmaine J. McKinley
August 05, 1928 - May 06, 2011
Moline, Illinois

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday May 13, 2011 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 14, 2011 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4107 21st Ave. Moline, Ill.
Interment: Private May 16, 2011 at Riverside Cemetery, Moline, Ill.

Charmaine J. McKinley, 82, of Moline, beloved mother, grandmother and friend was welcomed into heaven and reunited with her oldest son, Paul on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Moline. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. Private burial is Monday at Riverside Cemetery, Moline. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or to Pregnancy Resources, Moline.

Charmaine Leffel was born on August 5, 1928 in Chicago, the daughter of Paul and Ina Gulley Leffel. She married John W. (Bill) McKinley April 30, 1949. They were later divorced.

She worked for Robert W. Baird and Company, Moline, for 29 years and retired in 1993. Charmaine later became a sales associate at Walgreen’s on Avenue of the Cities, Moline and retired Aug. 5, 2008 her 80th birthday.

Charmaine had a zest for life and an infectious smile. She was many things to many people and will be missed greatly by all who loved and respected her. She battled multiple health issues for many years, yet never complained, she would just smile and thank God for her many blessings and wonderful healthy family. Her love and devotion to her family was the main priority in her life.

She was a member of United Methodist Church in Moline, but had been attending Holy Cross most recently. She was an active member of the UTHS Class of 1946 and the R. O. gang. She enjoyed traveling, bus trips, lunches with the ladies and frequenting the local casinos.

Charmaine is survived by her only daughter and favorite son-in-law, Melissa and Dan Thorngren, with whom she resided in Moline; son, Lane (Rhonda) McKinley, Woodhull; daughter-in-law, Connie McKinley, Milan; grandchildren (and spouses), Daniel Thorngren III, Chicago, Joseph Thorngren, Iowa City, Amanda (Jeff) Pickett, Rock Island, Angie (Ed) Hubbard, Greenville, SC, Sarah (Nathan) Morehart, Rock Island, Beth (Steve) Westlin, Eldridge, Kristi (Ryan) McDonald, Milan, Aaron (Courtney) McKinley, Rosiclare, Ill., Kennith (Jaime) Bennett, Lake in the Hills, Ill., Leramy and Breck Bennett, Woodhull; great grandchildren, Braeden and Kierney McDonald, Kyleigh, Paige and Peyton Westlin, Fisher Morehart and baby boy Pickett to arrive in August.

The family would like to give thanks and appreciation to her dearest friend Marilyn Battin, Orion. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Paul.

The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Rock Island and Dr. Robert Flowers for the compassionate and loving care provided to Charmaine during her hospital stay.



If you would like to share your thoughts and memories,
please sign the guestbook
Click Logo here.

Guestbook

Char was one of the sweetest ladies I know and she will be greatly missed. We still have people come in asking how shes doing, she touched alot of people working for Walgreens. Not many know but when we first started and were on the night shift together there was a group of us that always worked together and we were nick named "The Nasty Night Crew' just because we always told jokes. Char could tell some good ones. She touched my heart and I will miss her alot.
-- Kristina Davis

Missy and Family I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. When we lose our Mom's, it is tough! She was a wonderful gal! I remember meeting her and it was easy to see where you get your energy and fun spirit!
-- Patty John

Working with Char always brought a smile to my face. She was full of spunk, told it like it was meant to be told and could make anyone laugh. Rest in peace Char.......
-- Matt Malloy

Melissa, I'm sorry to read about the loss of your mother. My sympathies to you and your family.
-- Krista Johnson

Missy, so sorry for your loss. May your fondest memories of your mom bring you peace and comfort.
-- Sybil Kizer

Melissa & family, Your Mom was the greatest! Always a smile and kind word from her always. GOD has another flower for his bouquet. Peace be with all of you... Jeanette & Jon Johnson
-- Jon & Jeanette Johnson

Missy, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I have such fond memories of her, she was always alot of fun! May you and Lane find comfort in your memories. Jeanne
-- Jeanne Goodyear Quinn

Char was a great friend of my late aunt, Margaret May Jackson, so we had many enjoyable visits with Char when we came to the QC. Through Margaret May, Char became friends with my mother, Helen Jackson, who died March 8. We will miss them all. Remember the good times and the laughs.
-- Mary Ann Jackson McCauley

Working with Char was anything but dull! She worked hard and laughed hard, sharing highly entertaining stories to keep everyone laughing with her. Her devotion as a mother and grandmother was foremost in her life. May God keep you as you mourn her loss here on earth and celebrate her arrival in heaven to be reunited with Paul and watch over her family here.
-- Kathi Parrish

Margaret May Jackson was my aunt; I met Char through her. Char was a very dear friend to Margaret May, and by osmosis to me. I'm sure MM met her at the Pearly Gates! I always tried to find Char at Walgreens when I was in town. She will be missed.
-- Janet Sutten

Char was a dear friend of my Great Aunt Margaret May Jackson, and also a friend my Grandma Helen Jackson, I remember Char as always smiling and enjoying her friends and family, Bless her, Sincerely, Julia Rubin
-- Julia Rubin

Missy & Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Char was an amazing woman. I loved being able to do her hair when I worked at Penney's, and even after I left I missed her and thought of her often. God has blessed us with haveing Char touch so many of our lives. I will never forget her. God Bless you and yours, and you will be in my prayers, always.
-- Caitlin Minder

I worked with Char for a number of years and she kept me out of trouble, most of the time. A dear, kind lady with the most wonderful smile. We'll all miss her.
-- Jay Stanley

I still look at the obits from Moline from time to time and saw your mom's passing to life eternal in heaven. I remember with joy the times she came to church with you even while I was in Moline. She was wonderful blessing to you and I was happy to see she was living with you both. I know you served your mom with great joy. Blessings to you all and i trust the boys are doing well.
-- Pastor Laux

Grandma CJ will be greatly missed. 2 children are missing off this list of relatives though, including great-granddaughter Kendall McKinley, Logan Byers, and baby Mckinley due in August. Grandma CJ was a wonderful caring lady that anyone who knew her was blessed to have her in their life.
-- Aaron (Courtney) McKinley