Wilma 'Charleen' Perkins, 91
Wilma "Charleen" Wilhelm Perkins, 91, of Polson, went to meet her beloved Lord and loved ones who journeyed before her on July 27, 2024. She was surrounded by her three loving and devoted children who stayed with her and cared for her until her soul's last moments on this earth.
Charleen was born on June 28, 1933, to William "Bill" and Charlotte Wilhelm. This made her the eldest of their four girls, forever known as "The Wilhelm Girls."
She attended grade school in her hometown of Proctor and graduated from Polson High School in 1951. Shortly after graduation, she met a man, Floyd Perkins, who had the unique ability to exasperate and entertain her all at the same time, so she married him. From this beautiful union came three fantastic children, Wanda, Steve, and Greg. After 24 years of marriage, the Good Lord decided he needed more fun and laughter in heaven, so Floyd was called home in 1975, leaving Charleen a widowed mother at the age of 42.
Floyd and Charleen had created a furniture business, with friend and partner, Gary Thomas, which grew into Home Floor Covering. Charleen continued to run the business until it was sold. She then worked several years for the Flathead Courier newspaper (which later became the Lake County Leader), then took a position at the Lake County Area Agency on Aging, which is where she retired.
Charleen was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian church. She served her church and Lord in every capacity she could. After she retired, she volunteered at the County Store for several years. But what she will be most remembered for by her large family is her complete devotion to them. She was the definition of matriarch. Every member of her family, from every generation, would firmly attest that she remained ever-present in their lives right up until the end. She was a vibrant, quick-witted, unassuming force, and her absence will forever be felt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, and sisters, Loretta and Bobby.
She is survived by her baby sister, Chris Schultz; her children, Wanda Jones and son-in-law Andy; her eldest son, Steve Perkins and daughter-in-law Joan; youngest son, Greg Perkins; and grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Anthony Jones, Paula Perkins, Seth Perkins, Bryan Perkins, and Geoff Henderson. Nephews and nieces, LeRoy and Cheryl Jepson, Sandy and Ron Johanesen, Wes and Laurie Jepson, Louie Jepson, Marilyn and Lynn Cooper, Kenny and Diana Luke, Colleen Oden, Mariea Schultz, Mickey Schultz, Mindy Schultz; several great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and dear lifelong friend, Donna Bahm.
Many say that when a person lives to such an age, the grief should be less because they lived a long life. This may be true for many, however, with Charleen, she made such a deep, lasting impact over 91 years, that the hole she has left is large and will be felt by many until they are able to meet her again.
Charleen’s family will attend a graveside service on a date yet to be determined. Following the private service, a luncheon will be hosted at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson for those that would like to gather to share stories and celebrate this amazing woman. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Presbyterian Church in Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
