Charlene L. Sutherland

Charlene L. Sutherland, age 83, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Lansing. She was born March 10, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Leona (Labrenz) Dahn. She graduated from Bay City Central High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in education from Western Michigan University. Charlene was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She taught high school Spanish and geography for many years and also taught piano the majority of her life. Charlene loved music and played the organ at church and was always ready to sit down at the piano. She was a lifelong Lutheran and member of First Lutheran Church.

Charlene is survived by her children: Brian (Laura) Sutherland of Grand Rapids, Leslie Gifford of Lansing; grandchildren, Alexander, Amelia, Mary; and sister-in-law, Linda Dahn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son-in-law, Scott Gifford; and brothers, Lyle and Kenny.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11 A.M. at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those desiring may make contributions in Charlene’s memory to First Lutheran Church 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.