Obituary of Charlene Ann Eyrse
Charlene Ann Eyrse, age 71, of Channahon, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 27, 2026, at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.
Charlene was born on August 5, 1954, in Joliet, to George and Mary (Johnson) Schofield. She was raised and educated in New Lenox and graduated from Lincoln Way High School. On July 30, 1994, in Joliet, she married Elmer J. “Jim” Eyrse, Jr. Charlene loved to host parties and holidays. Family and friends always thought she was entertaining from her wonderful personality. She will be remembered by those close to her for always being available to lend a helping hand. Charlene enjoyed bowling, watching NASCAR, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
Charlene is survived by her beloved husband of 31 years, Elmer “Jim”; three children, Michael (Kristin) Upchurch, David (Rachel) Upchurch, and Mary Upchurch; five step-children, Jessica Hudson, Jim (Donna) Eyrse, David (Samantha) Eyrse, Nicole (Tommy) Serak, and Nikki Gaither; 22 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Genens, Georgeen (Charles) Manis, Roberta Rodriguez, and Kathy Westcott; two sisters-in-law, Pam (Sam) Fisher and Deb Phillips; two brothers-in-law, David (Cathy) Eyrse and Kevin (Shannon) Eyrse; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Maureen Moreno; brother, Tom Schofield; great-nephew, Westyn Genens; her father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Bonnie Eyrse; and sister-in-law, Lisa Bess.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlene’s name can be made to Lightways Hospice or to the Will County Humane Society.
Funeral Services for Charlene Ann Eyrse will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. in Joliet, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
