Charlene Elizabeth (Walters) Groeling, 74, of Pawnee City, along with her twin sister Marlene, were born to Troy and Elizabeth (Wadley) Walters on June 20, 1952, at the old Tecumseh Hospital in Tecumseh, Nebraska. The story that was told in our family was that we broke the drought. That afternoon Granddad Ben was so happy he was dancing in the rain bringing the cows to the barn for milking. The twins had the blessings of being raised by four generations living within 50 yards of each other.
Charlene and Marlene were inseparable. Charlene was a mommy’s girl and had the sweetest smile and spirit of gentleness. Charlene accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and followed Him in Believers Baptism on October 23, 1960, at the First Baptist Church Tecumseh. The twins attended country school at Brush Hill District #16, Tecumseh High School - Class of 1970, and then Charlene attended Ben Your Hairdresser School of Cosmetology in Lincoln, Nebraska. After graduation, she was a wig consultant at Hovland Swanson in downtown Lincoln.
Charlene met the love of her life, Keith Groeling of Verdigre, Nebraska. He was a student at UNL when they met when she was dating his roommate. They were married on Palm Sunday, April 15, 1973, and celebrated 53 years of marriage. They made their home in Lincoln where they were blessed with two sons, Christopher and Patrick. In the fall of 1989, they moved to an acreage by Malcolm and made this their home until moving to Pawnee City in 2011 - after the boys had moved out of the nest. Because of Charlene’s love of Christ, she served in her churches as a Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Worker, AWANA leader, Decorating Committee member, VBS worker and Bible Study hostess, Missions Committee member and in many other unofficial capacities – most importantly as an example of Christ’s love.
Charlene loved decorating her homes with antiques and seasonal decor. For many years, because of their love of antiques, they went on the Junk Jaunt together with friends. They enjoyed spending time at Keith’s childhood farm by Verdigre and thanks to Keith’s job and as a member of Malcolm School Board they were able to do some traveling before retiring to Pawnee City. A highlight for Charlene and Marlene was a trip to see the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in 2024.
She and Keith liked gardening, playing cards and Farkle, cooking together and hosting family and friends. Charlene played Candy Crush on her tablet to help distract her from the pain of neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. MS, cancer, numerous surgeries and other health issues finally slowed Charlene down the last two years of her life. Charlene was able to remain close to her family – which was very important to her.
Charlene is survived by her husband, Keith Groeling of Pawnee City, NE; two sons: Christopher Groeling and wife Amber of Topeka KS; Patrick Groeling and wife Katie of Malcolm, NE; 6 grandchildren: Hailey, Rahlan and Caden Groeling of Topeka, KS; Norah, Harlow and Gunner Groeling of Malcolm NE; sister Marlene Witt and husband Ron Witt of Lincoln, NE; brother Troy Jr. Walters and wife Cindy of Elk Creek, NE; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Benjamin Walters, and heaven born brother Erwan Walters.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Northwest Community Church, 10200 Malcolm Road in Malcolm, Nebraska with Pastor Chris Rohrbaugh officiating. The service will be livestreamed at the church in Malcolm and a link to the livestream will also be available on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page.
Visitation will be 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Wherry Mortuary, 919 “G” Street in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.
Services entrusted to Wherry Mortaury-919 G St.-Pawnee City, NE 68420 (402) 852-2387.
